Mankind has expanded into space, with thousands of people living on massive orbiting colonies known as Sides. The Earth Government, which governs these colonies, is oppressive and cruel. A group of revolutionaries constructs five robotic weapons called Gundams, intending to launch them toward Earth to spark a rebellion. Piloted by five young men, the Gundams embody the colonists' hopes and aspirations for freedom as they descend toward Earth to commence Operation Meteor.