Starship Operators

is a Japanese light novel series written by Ryo Mizuno, with illustrations by Takashi Naito. The series began publication on March 10, 2001 by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko publishing imprint.

Synopsis
For the 73rd class of cadets of the Defense University of the small planet Kibi, a shakedown cruise on the fleet's new starship "Amaterasu" is a fitting lead-up to graduation. As they are returning to their home planet, however, they are shocked to hear news of a declaration of war by the aggressive Kingdom against Kibi. When their planetary government surrenders without a struggle, the cadets decide to launch their own war, aboard the "Amaterasu". To gain funding, they make a deal with a galactic news network - and find themselves the "stars" of their own "reality show". Unfortunately, this is the kind of reality show that can get you killed...

Starship Operators
An anime adaptation of the light novel aired for 13 episodes between January 5, 2005 and March 30, 2005.