After an enigmatic alien vessel collides with Earth, humanity comes to understand that they are not isolated in the universe. Apprehensive about a possible extraterrestrial menace, nations set aside their nationalism, clashing interests, and cultural divides, coming together under the United Nations. The newly established UN forces decide to convert the alien craft, christening it SDF-1 Macross. However, on the day of its first voyage, a fleet of spaceships belonging to an alien race known as the Zentradi descends on Earth, and the SDF-1 Macross, acting on its own volition, fires upon the incoming squadron, igniting an interstellar conflict.
Seeking to flee, the Macross attempts to propel itself into lunar orbit, but the vessel—along with the city it occupied—is transported to the distant reaches of space. Caught amidst this turmoil are Hikaru Ichijou, a carefree acrobatic pilot, and Minmay Lynn, a hopeful singer. These two, together with the Macross's crew, undergo an epic voyage filled with sorrow and turmoil, confronting the harsh realities of war along the way.