Shianna Smart, 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 the space agency, she was thrilled to learn that Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk had chosen their bison jerky for consumption during the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station on October 1, pending final approval.
This isn’t the first time their bison jerky has made its way into space. Back in 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield enjoyed the Saskatchewan bison jerky sticks while the business was under different ownership. Smart expressed her excitement at the unexpected opportunity to have their product selected again for space travel.
She hopes that the exposure of their jerky in space will highlight its versatility as a convenient snack for various occasions like kids’ lunches, sports activities, and travel. The jerky underwent a rigorous selection process by both the Canadian Space Agency and NASA before being approved for space consumption.
Natalie Hirsch from the Canadian Space Agency mentioned that astronauts can customize a portion of their food supply, with NASA providing most of the food and the CSA offering Canadian options. Specific requirements for space food include an 18-month shelf life, space-friendly packaging, and the absence of crumbs.
Local support plays a vital role in the success of small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix. Nolan Langer, assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, emphasized the significance of community support for local enterprises to thrive. The facility has been producing jerky for nearly two decades, catering to small clients in western Canada.
Apart from bison jerky, Canadian products heading to space include maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec, as well as salmon from the west coast. The selection process for space-bound food items considers factors like shelf life, packaging suitability, and astronaut preferences.