Story-related. Awarded once you complete Sector 2A.
Some general tips:
* Learn the various transformations. Attack Mode is for dogfighting/moving, Assault Mode is for fine movement, and Turret Mode is for holding position and shooting everything nearby. Turret Mode is especially useful at taking out generators, the parts of the frigates and cruisers you need to destroy to take them down, as well as most flying attackers that swarm you, as it features an auto-aiming gun.
* Upgrade. Pick a weapon you like and upgrade it all the way. Especially recommend this for Assault Mode's heat-seeking rockets and Turret Mode's guns. I also recommend the android that gives you better shields.
Beyond that, practice makes perfect. You'll find the later missions to be easier than the early missions largely due to your improved skill at the game.
Some weird things that came up for me along the way that are worth calling out:
* In Sector 4A, I had a hell of a time finding the Rapture parts. Look for a wall with a cluster of ore rocks -- you'll need to shoot it open. I literally spent an hour "exploring" before I got pissed off and shot that wall out of frustration, only to find it was where I needed to go. No joke.
* In Sector 5A, you need to EMP the generators to be able to shoot the locks on the containers. There are two sets of two generators on the ends of the space station -- EMP one set, and then look for the targetable containers. You need to shoot each one twice. There is one Rapture piece in each group of three containers.
* To destroy a Zylon Basestar (Sector 9A), just fly into the center while the beams are not firing. Once I was in the middle, I wasn't damaged by the beams when they fired. Shoot the 8 generators and it'll blow. Piece of cake.
* When capturing Brain at the end of Sector 9A, just follow the white arrow on your HUD / white dot on your radar.
* In Sector 10A, to "bomb the core", you just fly into it. Another total WTF moment from this game after trying to find the "bomb" button. I recommended crashing yourself before you do this, though -- you'll need the fresh health/shields for the timed escape.
* After you bomb the core, take your time leaving! If you die, you respawn at the core with no added time, meaning you're likely to replay the whole mission. You'll have plenty of time if you leave at a brisk but not reckless pace. Use Assault Mode to navigate into tunnel openings if you're having trouble.
Good luck! If you have any questions, post them here and I'll try to help.