bacta tank

• Appeared in:
  
  I
  II
  III
  IV
  V
  VI
  CW

• Manufacturer:
  Zaltin and Xucphra corporation

• 

From the Movies

A miracle of modern medical technology, the bacta tank is a mainstay in both Imperial and Alliance medical wards. The containment cylinder fills with rejuvenating bacta fluid that is capable of healing even the most grievous wounds. The translucent red fluid nurtures the growth of a bacterial medium that seeks out traumatized tissue and promotes regeneration and growth to rapidly heal wounds with minimal or no scarring. Medical droids closely monitor the patient, who is suspended in the fluid. Luke Skywalker spent time in a bacta tank, recovering from exposure and dormo-shock suffered from spending a night in a Hoth blizzard.

From the Expanded Universe

The insectoid Vratix of Thyferra invented bacta by mixing alazhi salve with a synthetic liquid chemical called kavam. This concoction is further mixed with a colorless viscous liquid called ambori. During the Galactic Civil War, the Empire realized the importance of bacta and shut down all satellite manufacturing centers, allowing the bacta plants on Thyferra to have a total monopoly on production. Two manufacturers reigned supreme, the Zaltin and Xucphra corporations.

Behind the Scenes

When Luke is suspended in the bacta tank in The Empire Strikes Back, the liquid looks largely colorless due to the lighting on the set. Later, when he is recuperating in the medical center, a look at the tank in the background reveals a deep red hue.