Death Star
Overview
The Death Star is a moon-sized space station and superweapon of the Galactic Empire, capable of destroying entire planets.
Technical Specifications
- Diameter: 120 km
- Armament: Superlaser (Planet Destroyer)
- Shields: Invulnerable to conventional weapons
- Crew: Over 1 million soldiers and crew
The Superlaser
The heart of the Death Star was its superlaser – a concentration of energy from several asteroid reactors that could be directed at a single point. The destruction of a planet required only seconds.
History
The development of the Death Star began under Admiral Motti and was supervised by Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin. The construction required the resources of a million worlds and took decades.
The construction plans were sabotaged by Galen Erso – a detail that the Rebels used to destroy the Death Star.
Destruction
The Death Star was destroyed by Luke Skywalker during the Battle of Yavin. The weak point – a exhaust port leading to the reactor – was targeted by Red Squadron pilots. Luke used the Force to make the decisive shot.
Death Star II
A second, even larger Death Star was under construction but was destroyed by the Rebellion during the Battle of Endor before it became operational.
Gallery
