Shianna Smart, the co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, initially doubted the legitimacy of an email she received from NASA. However, after engaging in discussions with them, she found it to be an exciting opportunity. Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk has chosen the bison jerky from her brand to accompany him on the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station, scheduled for October 1 pending final approval. This isn’t the first time that Saskatchewan bison jerky has made its way to space, as Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield enjoyed the snack back in 2013 under previous ownership.
Smart expressed her surprise and excitement at being selected again for a space mission. She hopes that the jerky’s journey to space will showcase its suitability for various occasions such as children’s lunches, sports activities, and travel. The jerky underwent a rigorous selection process by the Canadian Space Agency and NASA before being approved for space travel beyond the stratosphere.
Natalie Hirsch, overseeing operational space medicine at the Canadian Space Agency, mentioned that while NASA provides most of the food for astronauts, they can personalize the remaining portion, with Canadian options provided by the CSA based on astronauts’ preferences. Requirements for space-bound food include an 18-month shelf life, space-compatible packaging, and a no-crumbs policy.
Local support plays a vital role in the success of small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix, according to Nolan Langer, assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre. The center has been producing jerky for nearly two decades and is crucial for small clients in Western Canada seeking processing services. Canadian products heading to space encompass a variety of items, including maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec and salmon from the West Coast.