The movie explained that this part of the design was intentional, placed there by Death Star architect Galen Erso in the hopes that someone would find his plans and use them to destroy the Death Star.

Michelle Trachtenberg, 39, was planning to attend a private benefit screening of the movie Spyral during the annual SXSW film ...

In the movie, thanks to the efforts of rebels finding the plans for the Death Star, Luke blows up the planet-destroying weapon, which is later rebuilt in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi.