I have to admit...
When I first read the thread title, my imagination immediately leapt to constructs of hologram and a High-tensile/High-stress but very-open framework with power systems and projectors which also used a magnetic bottle to hold in the hydrogen it uses for fuel.
Obviously, a very high tech toy that someone built, but which got loose - Leading to an Amber Zone.
A lower tech world who's dearly bought orbital systems and archologies are being "Harassed"
Obviously, the player's ship is called on for help and they can hardly say no, because they need to dock for refueling, etc...
This should be used when the players are on a tight schedule, and can't waste the time....and yet...
....It's a Dragon!!!! Living in Space!!!!
The adventure would hang on sensor rolls, piloting, etc....
And, eventually they should have a "battle" with the dragon.
How that plays out determines how badly the holographic dragon is damaged before its remains are discovered.
So, while I love the idea posited by the OP, my dementia went a different way