Shianna Smart, co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, initially doubted the legitimacy of an email from NASA. However, after further communication, she was thrilled to discover that Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk had chosen their bison jerky for the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station, scheduled for October 1 pending final approval.
This isn’t the first time Saskatchewan bison jerky will venture into space; in 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield enjoyed the same snack during a previous mission while under different ownership.
Smart expressed her excitement, stating, “I knew it had been gone to space… but I never thought we would be asked again, so that was pretty exciting.”
The selection process for the jerky involved evaluations by both the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA before receiving clearance for space travel.
Natalie Hirsch, overseeing operational space medicine at the CSA, mentioned that while NASA supplies most of the food, astronauts can personalize a portion of their meals, including Canadian options like the bison jerky.
Specific requirements for space-bound food items include an 18-month shelf life, space-friendly packaging, and a non-crumbly nature.
Local support plays a vital role in the success of small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix, as noted by Nolan Langer, assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre. The facility has been producing jerky for nearly two decades, emphasizing its unique position in western Canada for processing small client orders.
Canadian products heading to space are diverse, ranging from maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec to salmon from the west coast.