Shianna Smart, co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, initially doubted the legitimacy of an email from NASA. However, upon further communication, she discovered that Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk had chosen their bison jerky for consumption during the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station, set to depart on October 1 pending final approval.
This isn’t the first time their jerky has made its way to 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 opportunity, stating, “I knew it had been gone to space… but I never thought we will be asked again so that was pretty exciting.”
She hopes that the space-bound jerky will showcase its versatility for various occasions, such as kids’ lunches, sports activities, or travel purposes.
Before receiving approval to venture beyond Earth’s atmosphere, the jerky underwent a rigorous selection process conducted by both the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA.
Natalie Hirsch from the Canadian Space Agency explained that while NASA supplies about 75% of the food for astronauts, they have the freedom to personalize the remaining portion. The CSA offers Canadian options to the astronauts based on their preferences.
Requirements for space-bound food include an 18-month shelf life, space-friendly packaging, and the absence of crumbs to ensure a smooth experience in zero gravity.
Nolan Langer, assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, emphasized the importance of local support for small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix. The facility has been producing jerky for nearly two decades, catering to small clients in western Canada.
Canadian space-bound products extend beyond bison jerky, featuring items like maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec, as well as salmon from the west coast.