A Venator-class Star Destroyer served the Galactic Empire in the initial period of its rule. This vessel was on hand during the building of the Death Star while it was in Geonosis's orbit. Fresh off the production line from Corellian Shipyards, this particular Star Destroyer differed from others of its type that were seen in the earlier Clone Wars by having a grey color scheme, rather than the customary red markings. The Venator transported the Galactic Emperor Sheev Palpatine, his Sith apprentice Darth Vader, and Moff Wilhuff Tarkin to the Death Star so they could examine the battle station while it was still being built. This destroyer was then tasked with guarding the uncompleted battle station.
The Venator-class Star Destroyer debuted in the 2005 prequel trilogy movie, Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. In Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel, the ship is incorrectly called an Imperial-class Star Destroyer.