Akito Tenkawa

chef by trade, Akito is gifted (or cursed) with exceptional luck and a com implant that permits him to interface directly with machines. Through a series of unusual circumstances, he is pressed into service as a civilian pilot on the Nadesico, despite his almost complete lack of training. He also manages to attract the romantic interest of several women among the crew, all of which is a clear sign of "Amuro Ray" syndrome. Quite mysteriously, Akito also happens to be the only Martian survivor of the Jovian attack who made it safely to Earth.

Yurika Misumaru

Nadesico's young captain passed her exams with exemplary success, although before joining the crew she had no actual field experience. Yurika has a free-wheeling attitude, which may be part of the reason her crew is so fragmented. Akito was her childhood friend back on Mars, before her military father returned to Earth. The Jovians seem to have some interest in Capt. Misumaru, but whether that will aid or harm the Earth is unknown.

Ruri Hoshino

Ruri uses her empathy with computers to communicate directly with the navigation system of the Nadesico. Raised in an isolated clinic environment, she has very little patience or understanding for people, and prefers to commune with her so called "pet" 98 (J'ese: kyuupachi). She is one of the few ex-military officers among the crew, and comes to accept the crew's unusual disposition despite her own preference for regimentation.

"Daicouji Gai"

A man wholly defined by his interests, "Gai" has formed his career and personality around the TV show "Gekigangar 3". Upholding the tenets of friendship, loyalty, and bravery, he makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the Nadesico and Akito in the Aesti Valis. Although perhaps not the greatest pilot or the sanest member of the crew, "Gai" serves as an inspiration to otaku everywhere.

Megumi Reynard

Principally engaged in keeping the pilots in contact with the ship, Megumi is an easy-going, pleasant young woman. When danger threatens the ship, she manages to deliver even the most stressful information with a smile and a positive spin.

Ryoko Subaru

Ryoko commands sorties outside the ship, but she has even less experience in non-simulated combat situations than her erstwhile captain, Yurika. Nonetheless, this headstrong young woman has absolute confidence in her martial abilities and in those of her team. The necessary presence of Akito upon her team's arrival on the Nadesico raises her ire, but despite his lack of battle prowess, Ryoko comes to tolerate the confused young man.