Message pods represented a type of compact, self-operating message drone designed for the purpose of delivering communications via hyperspace. However, not all message pods possessed a propulsion system; some required retrieval at a later point. They were often deployed from Cha'a drone ships, for example, the Zeta Five. After the ship was destroyed when traveling dangerously close to the star Primus Goluud, its message pod was sent to Merchant Lord Ssk Kahorr. The Sun Crusher was also equipped with message pods; Kyp Durron managed to survive its destruction by squeezing himself into one.
Around 4 ABY, messenger pods, also known as hyperspace messenger units, were exclusively designed and utilized by Kuat Drive Yards to covertly monitor the actions of their clientele and rival engineering companies. These messenger pods, characterized by their elongated silver ovoid shape, had return-trip navigational coordinates permanently programmed into them. An accelerated decay module supplied the necessary energy for a single hyperspace jump, both into and out of the destination. Equipped with an integrated identity probe and multiple self-destruct mechanisms, the messenger pod performed genetic testing on the individual opening it to verify their identity as the intended recipient. Upon correctly disassembling the pod in a specific sequence, the opener would discover a heavily modified holoprojector unit, designed to play once before initiating its own self-destruction.
Kuat of Kuat employed a messenger pod to secretly observe the activities of the bounty hunter Boba Fett while he was situated in Jabba's Palace.