: Lead engineer Galen Erso intentionally stalled development for years after learning the project's true purpose. He also built a secret "fatal flaw" into the thermal exhaust port, which the Rebel Alliance later exploited.

Required complex logistics and "ghost" supply lines to hide the massive station from the Senate and the public.

The development of the first (the DS-1 Orbital Battle Station) was a massive undertaking that spanned roughly 20 years . While the station's hull was completed relatively quickly, the project was plagued by engineering challenges, secrecy, and sabotage. Key Phases of Development

: Creating the planet-killing beam was the most difficult part. Director Orson Krennic oversaw a team of scientists on Eadu who worked to harness kyber crystals to power the weapon.