As for the Death Star being in orbit of a planet, well, this is another example of brilliance. The thing wasn't fully operational and yet in is just sitting out there is empty space.

Ridiculous!

Ady is spot-on. It would be in orbit of a planet taking on supplies, equipment, troops, officers, etc. al. Only when fully operational to move and defend itself completely would it break orbit from the planet.

It was such a obvious thing and yet I can't remember anyone ever having that idea before. And I've been online talking Star Wars since 1998. Aldera (Chuckie Taylor), Prequel Spoilers, TFN once upon a time (sadly), X-Boards, Galactic Senate (T-Bone), Millennium Falcon.com, etc. and I never heard anyone propose such an idea.

I guess it was too obvious that it just seemed to slip through the cracks.