Private Death Star Project On Kickstarter, Raises $400,000 Of Needed $850 Quadrillion

The Kickstarter Open Source Death Star was started by www.gnut.co.uk

According to the Star Wars blog: The overwhelming military superiority of the Galactic Empire has been confirmed once again by the recent announcement by the President of the United States that his nation would not attempt to build a Death Star, despite the bellicose demands of the people of his tiny, aggressive planet. “It is doubtless that such a technological terror in the hands of so primitive a world would be used to upset the peace and sanctity of the citizens of the Galactic Empire,“ said Governor Wilhuff Tarkin of the Outer Rim Territories. “Such destructive power can only be wielded to protect and defend by so enlightened a leader as Emperor Palpatine.”

Representatives on behalf of the nation-state leader from the unimaginatively named planet refused to acknowledge the obvious cowardice of their choice, preferring instead to attribute the decision to fiscal responsibility. “The costs of construction they cited were ridiculously overestimated, though I suppose we must keep in mind that this miniscule planet does not have our massive means of production,” added Admiral Conan Motti of the Imperial Starfleet.

Emissaries of the Emperor also caution any seditious elements within the Galactic Senate not to believe Earth’s exaggerated claims of there being a weakness in the Death Star design. “Any attacks made upon such a station — should one ever be built — would be a useless gesture,” added Motti.
In November 2012 the people asked for a death star. The government said NO!

In light of continuing threats we should build it ourselves.
Initial design (not for kids) 

Goal

£20,000,000 for more detailed plans and enough chicken wire to protect reactor exhaust ports.

Stretch Goal

£543,000,000,000,000,00 ($850,000,000,000,000,000) to secure full funding for actual construction.
Open Source

To keep costs lower the entire project will use open source hardware and software.

RISKS AND CHALLENGES Learn about accountability on Kickstarter

The only risk is the power of the Force.

The main challenge is assuring Kickstarter that this is a joke and not a serious project. As proof, the goal has been set high enough to make successful funding almost impossible.

FAQ
Can we destroy Pluto/Earth/Another planetary body?

Any decisions on targets will be based on donator pledge amount, higher pledges first. The amount is unimportant but you will be required to pay for shipping.

What kind of hardware will you use?

Nothing has been ruled out at this point including the suggestion of using a beowulf cluster of Raspberry Pi devices.

If you actually raise the required amount what will you do with the money?

Purchase at least 4m sq of high grade chicken wire. We are hoping the death star plans will have at least twice the resolution of the initial design.

Did you forget to account for the ~10% Kickstarter and Amazon get at the end of the project?

No, as we feel if we can actually raise £543 quadrillion pounds then Kickstarter certainly deserves their cut. As for Amazon, we’re sure they’ll agree to refund the fees once the station is complete.

Will it be solar powered?

Unlikely as it would make travel between solar systems more dangerous.
Last updated: Thursday Feb 7, 1:19pm EST
Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t the downfall of the first Death Star due to open source plans?
Will there be an Ipod dock, USB Ports, a wookie hair salon, guest rooms on the Open Source Death Star?

The plans will be finalized once the project reaches it’s funding goal.