Kessel is a prison planet and the only galactic source of the famed Glitterstim spice. This very rare, very hard to mine substance is used primarily as a drug for medicines, though it is also used to create a euphoric sensation; and it is in this state that one can only best appreciate the abysmal music of the Kessel Spice girls.

Glitterstim was originally harvested by prison workers in numerous subterranean caverns that ran throughout the planet. A lack of a breathable atmosphere (still required thanks to the cheapskates at the atmosphere generator plant diverting most of the air to their jacuzzi room) means that masks must be worn. The spice itself is produced in the webs of energy spiders, and is used on-planet for the famous Kessel curry (20 galactic credits a serving, with free beer) and to add perfume to the other major export of Kessel in its 'Old Spice' deodorant. Unfortunately, the Glitterstim causes olfactory hallucinations, causing those who produce these items to believe they taste and smell far better than they actually do. Escaped prisoners can be spotted off-world by the foul scent of Old Spice, which does nothing to attract the ladies. Glitterstim may cause the user to manifest Force-like powers.

Approaching Kessel is a difficult task, thanks to its proximity to the Maw. Gravity distortions of this black-hole cluster make it nearly impossible to navigate through without the aid of skilled piloting. This task is further hindered by chunks of moon as Kessel's satellite was reduced to handy boulders by a Death Star prototype having a bit of target practise. To avoid being sucked in by the Maw and flatted into a pancake, ships must take wide routes. Han Solo, quite possibly having just partaken of a Kessel curry, managed to navigate through this dangerous Maw in 12 parsecs; a fact of which he brags about at every opportunity. Honestly, boys and their toys...

Recently, the prison element of Kessel has been replaced thanks to Lando Calrissian. Lando swapped the prison workers with droids after obtaining control of Kessel. He was also responsible for the unceremonious break up of the Kessel Spice girls, for which he received the New Republic's highest honour.