Good way to beat it: Farm up enough ether for smart missiles then start upgrading cannon. From this point on, just focus on the yellow orbs and with your better cannon, u can take them out. If you have trouble surviving, put a point into shield. Trouble maneuvering? Points into engine. But, it's doable without. The missiles farm ether for you while you work towards big red.
 "Crop Defenders"){kind=icon}
 "Caravaneer"){kind=icon}
 "Sky Invasion"){kind=icon}
 "Ether War"){kind=icon}