This Isn't the Petition Response You're Looking For': Yep, the White House Actually Responded to the 'Death Star' Petition

The Death Star under construction. (Image source: Wikimedia)

The answer is no.

No, the United States won't be constructing a "Death Star" as part of its military arsenal any time soon.

More than 34,000 people had signed an official White House petition to build a "Star Wars"-inspired super-weapon and on Friday, the administration responded with enough galactic humor and movie references to make even Darth Vader proud.

"This isn't the petition response you're looking for," wrote Paul Shawcross, a White House adviser on science and space.

For one thing, the construction of the Death Star has been estimated to cost more than $850 quadrillion.

"We're working hard to reduce the deficit, not expand it," he said.

Also, "the administration does not support blowing up planets."

And finally, "why would we spend countless taxpayer dollars on a Death Star with a fundamental flaw that can be exploited by a one-man starship?"

Shawcross pointed out that there's already has a space station ("that's no Moon") orbiting the Earth -- the International Space Station, which has six astronauts aboard.

But to those looking to pursue a career in science or technology, may the "Force" be with you.

"Remember, the Death Star's power to destroy a planet, or even a whole star system, is insignificant next to the power of the Force," Shawcross said.