Answer
The answer is Martian Successor Nadesico, an anime series that aired in 1996. In this sci-fi comedy-drama, Houko Kuwashima voiced the character Yurika Misumaru, a cheerful and determined pilot of the Nadesico, a spaceship that defends Earth from alien threats. This role marked Kuwashima's first major voice acting role, which launched her successful career in the anime industry.