Shianna Smart, co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, southwestern Saskatchewan, initially doubted the legitimacy of an email from NASA. However, after engaging with the space agency and receiving more details, she found it exhilarating. Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk has chosen the bison jerky from her brand to consume during the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station, scheduled for October 1 pending final approval.
Previously, in 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield had also enjoyed the Saskatchewan bison jerky sticks while they were under different ownership. Smart expressed her surprise and excitement at the opportunity for her product to venture into space once again.
Anticipating that the space-bound jerky will showcase its versatility for various applications, Smart hopes it will appeal to a broader audience for purposes such as children’s lunches, sports activities, and travel.
The selection process for the jerky involved evaluations by both the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA before receiving the green light for space travel. Natalie Hirsch from the Canadian Space Agency explained that while NASA supplies most of the food for astronauts, they can customize a portion, with the CSA providing Canadian options based on the astronauts’ preferences.
Strict requirements for space food include an 18-month shelf life, space-friendly packaging, and a crumb-free composition. Local support plays a vital role in the success of small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix, as emphasized by Nolan Langer from the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre.
Langer highlighted the significance of the Saskatoon facility, where jerky production has been ongoing for nearly two decades. Apart from bison jerky, Canadian products sent to space range from maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec to salmon from the west coast.