Akira Tsukuba is a space cadet whose initial failure to qualify for the Starlight's crew stemmed from conflicts with instructors during testing. His persistence earns him an unexpected opportunity when he intercepts the Starlight's mission, securing his inclusion on the historic interstellar voyage despite his original exclusion.

Assigned as pilot of the photon sailership Starlight, he operates the vessel during its test flight. His technical skills prove vital during navigation and combat, especially against mechanical threats.

His character evolves from an impulsive cadet into a decisive leader. This transformation culminates when he spearheads a mutiny against senior officers opposing a course change to investigate the planet Odin. He confines the commanding staff and redirects the ship toward the Canopus system, motivated by discovered artifacts and the connection of Sara Cyanbaker, a mysterious survivor found near Neptune, to the mythical world.

His relationship with Sara Cyanbaker, the amnesiac survivor, profoundly influences his decisions. Her fragmented memories and psychic link to Odin compel his dedication to uncovering the planet's secrets, positioning her as the catalyst for the crew's rebellion against Earth Command.

Following the mutiny, Akira assumes greater responsibility during clashes with hostile mechanized forces, including the entity Asgard and the master computer Belgel. These conflicts test his resolve and leadership, particularly during the virus attack that destroys the machine world. The narrative concludes with him actively engaged in the continued search for Odin alongside the crew.