Animator Yoshiyuki Sadamoto was the animator responsible for giving Noriko her distinctive "bouncing bustline".
The method of travel is explained in the story as being part of an effect known as the "Tannhauser Gate." Tannhauser Gate was the name of a battle mentioned by Roy Batty in Blade Runner (1982).
In episode 5, as Noriko and Kazumi fly over the hull of the now decommissioned battle cruiser Exelion, the Proteus from Viaje fantástico (1966) can be seen in the background working on the ship.
Noriko's love interest, Smith Toren was named after Toren Smith, the president of Studio Proteus. He is acquainted with various members of the Japanese animation industry, and his company prepares English versions of Japanese comics.
The title, Aim for the Top! Gunbuster, is a reference to both the 1970s manga Aim for the Ace, as well as the 1986 film Top Gun.