Shianna Smart, the co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, initially doubted the legitimacy of an email from NASA. However, after engaging with NASA representatives, she was thrilled to learn 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 that Saskatchewan bison jerky has made its way to space. In 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield enjoyed the snack during his orbit, under the previous ownership of the business.
Smart expressed her excitement about 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.”
The selection process for the space-bound jerky involved evaluations by both the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA before receiving approval for space travel.
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 some options. The CSA ensures Canadian choices are available, taking into account astronaut preferences and conducting market surveys.
Key considerations for space food include an 18-month shelf life, suitable packaging, and minimal 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 center’s support for small clients, as it is one of the few facilities in Western Canada equipped for such processing needs.
Apart from bison jerky, Canadian space-bound products include maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec and salmon from the west coast.