Core Node

Core nodes are special usable items, which give you the possibility to instantly research one research-able module from a ship design. If you acquire a core node by scooping it out of the space it will be used automatically before getting to your inventory, otherwise you can right click it to use.

After using the item, it will appear in the ship editor as a usable option, a purple icon  on top of the screen. From there you can choose a module to research. Usually you will find this item by winning big boss-fights. It is also accessible in debug mode as random inventory spawn.

Click here to see known drop locations of this item.
 * Ghost ship in the red zone.