Introduction to the Duality of the Death Star

In the rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe, the Death Star is one of the most iconic and lethal weapons ever created. Its appearance in films like A New Hope and Rogue One has left a lasting impact on fans. However, the discrepancy between the first tests of the Death Star in Rogue One and its dramatic debut in A New Hope has led to numerous controversies. This article aims to clarify the nature of these tests and the Empire's motives behind them.

Testing vs. Operational Use

The Death Star was the ultimate imperial weapon, designed to instill terror in the Rebellion. However, the scenes in Rogue One reveal that the rebels were actually witnessing the weapon in its initial testing phase. In contrast, the destruction of Alderaan in A New Hope showcased the weapon's full operational capabilities.

Secrecy and Propaganda

The Empire is notoriously adept at propaganda and misinformation. When the Death Star was first unveiled in Rogue One, the Imperials were conducting preliminary tests. This does not mean the weapon was untested, but rather that the tests were not designed to reveal its true capabilities to the entire galaxy. The planet of Jedha and the subsequent attack on Scarif were clearly not indicative of the Death Star's full operational status. The attack on Alderaan in New Hope, on the other hand, was meant to demonstrate the Empire's power to the galaxy in a more conclusive manner.

Development Phases

The Death Star was in various stages of development. The firing at Jedha was likely a preliminary test, not meant to reflect the Death Star's ultimate operational readiness. It was more a test of power rather than a full demonstration of the weapon's capabilities. In contrast, the destruction of Alderaan was the final demonstration of the Death Star's power, showing its ability to wreak havoc on an entire planet.

Director Krennic's Insight

Similarly, Director Krennic's statement in Rogue One clarifies the notion that Jedha was just a test. He referred to the attack as merely an inkling, indicating that the true test of the Death Star's full power would come later. The destruction of Alderaan in A New Hope proved the Empire's capability to obliterate an entire planet, far beyond city-level destruction.

Interpretation of 'Fully Operational'

When the Imperials referred to the Death Star as not being 'fully operational', it could mean several things. It might refer to the crew or the training of the thousands of troopers, techs, and pilots required to operate the massive weapon. However, the main gun was operational, and the demonstration of Alderaan's destruction was a testament to that fact. The primary goal of the Empire was to demonstrate to the galaxy the overwhelming power of the Death Star, much more than just the ability to destroy cities.

Conclusion

The discrepancy between the Death Star's first tests in Rogue One and its ultimate demonstration in A New Hope can largely be explained by the dual nature of the tests conducted. The Empire sought to control the narrative, and the full operational status of the Death Star was not revealed until the critical moment in Star Wars: A New Hope. The attacks on Jedha and Alderaan serve different purposes within the narrative, each highlighting the Death Star's increasing power and the Empire's ever-growing control over the galaxy.