That was animated by one of my favorite Japanese animators- Leiji Matsumoto, who was the creator of Space Cruiser Yamato/Star Blazers, Space Pirate Captain Harlock, Galaxy Express 999, Queen Millenia, and many other anime movies and TV series.
Here's the scoop on it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interst...et_5tar_5ystem
Regards,
Gordon.