The Sentinel bases were a series of military installations in the vicinity of Geonosis, constructed and used by both the Galactic Republic and later by the Galactic Empire. Their purpose was to supervise supply shipments to the top-secret Death Star construction project occurring in Geonosian space, as well as to safeguard it from external threats. From 18 BBY, they were placed under the command of Moff Wilhuff Tarkin. They included Sentinel Base, Rampart Station, and Desolation Station.