I still need to dig into the Iron Stars material, but given the banter back and forth I am starting to wonder if the campaign side of Iron Stars would be principally a setup where the Earth-based powers are fighting here and there in space, with random events and/or missions providing the major impetus for play.
Whether it is the untimely arrival of a new Martian invader, or an order from Her Majesty to escort her royal yacht to Venus and back... things that could earn the player Victory Points.
In other words, have the Iron Stars campaign not be centered around a military victory per se, but instead be more of a prestige victory.
-Tyrel