A ``Death Star'' won't be a part of the U.S.
military's arsenal any time soon.
   
More than 34,000 people have signed an online petition calling on
the Obama administration to build the ``Star Wars'' inspired
super-weapon to spur job growth and bolster national defence.
   
But in a posting Friday on the White House website, Paul
Shawcross, an administration adviser on science and space, says a
Death Star would cost too much to build _ an estimated $850
quadrillion _ at a time the White House is working to reduce the
federal budget.
   
Besides, Shawcross says, the Obama administration ``does not
support blowing up planets.''
   
The U.S., Shawcross points out, is already involved in several
out-of-this-world projects, including the International Space
Station, which is currently orbiting Earth with a half-dozen
astronauts.
   
(The Associated Press)