Shianna Smart, co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, initially doubted the authenticity of an email from NASA. However, after further communication, she was thrilled to learn that Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk had chosen their bison jerky for the NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station, scheduled for October 1 pending final approval.
Previously, in 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield had enjoyed the Saskatchewan bison jerky sticks in space under the brand’s previous ownership. Smart expressed her excitement at the opportunity for their product to venture into space once again.
The selection process by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA confirmed the approval for the jerky to journey beyond the stratosphere. Smart hopes that the space-bound jerky will demonstrate its suitability for various destinations, including kids’ lunches, sports activities, and travel.
Natalie Hirsch, overseeing operational space medicine at the CSA, mentioned that astronauts customize a portion of their food supply, with NASA providing most of the food and the CSA offering Canadian options. Preferences, shelf life of 18 months, space-friendly packaging, and the absence of crumbs are key considerations for space food selection.
Local support plays a vital role in the success of small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix, as emphasized by Nolan Langer, the assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre. The facility has been producing jerky for nearly two decades and serves as a crucial resource for small clients in Western Canada.
Canadian products destined for space not only include bison jerky but also items like maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec and salmon from the west coast. The initiative showcases the diversity and quality of Canadian food products reaching beyond Earth’s boundaries.