Considering that in The Force Awakens we see that Starkiller Base needs to drain a star to power it, what makes the Death Star so powerful? It's a giant superlaser, but what does it run on?
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7Just a mention, DS could shoot only in the same system/orbit with LOS. Starkiller Base was able to take out a target ANYWHERE IN THE GALAXY shooting through hyperspace. That's gotta need tons (sic) of energy. Comparing the two superweapons energy requirements is not easy.– Mindwin Remember MonicaOct 20, 2017 at 10:26
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2The lost orb of phantasia! Jk..– Garret GangOct 21, 2017 at 3:46
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2Kyber crystals anyone? (Rogue one)– Garret GangOct 21, 2017 at 3:46
1 Answer
A Hypermatter Reactor. Just like Star Destroyers and other imperial vessels, but bigger (obviously).
Many of those present were researchers and scientists involved with various aspects of the battle station project — the drives, shield and tractor beam technology, hypermatter power plant — without a full understanding of what they were working on.
Catalyst - Chapter 8: Public Displays of Affection
(emphasis mine)
The superlaser was fired by taking the power from the hypermatter reactor and focusing it all through the kyber crystals.
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3Interesting, I remember one of the purportedly scrapped Clone Wars story arcs (due to the series' cancellation) was about tracking down a giant kyber crystal and wondering what it was for.– MikasaOct 20, 2017 at 8:16
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Will we see those arcs again now that the clone wars has been completed?– Wooden13Nov 17, 2018 at 18:49