Shianna Smart, the co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, initially doubted the authenticity of an email claiming to be from NASA. However, after engaging in discussions with the organization, she became excited 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, scheduled for departure on October 1 pending final approval.
This isn’t the first time that the brand’s bison jerky has made its way to space. Back in 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield enjoyed the Saskatchewan bison jerky sticks while the business was owned by someone else.
Smart expressed her surprise and enthusiasm, stating that while she knew the jerky had been to space before, she never anticipated a repeat request, which she finds thrilling.
She hopes that having their jerky in space will showcase its suitability for various purposes beyond space travel, such as being an ideal snack for kids’ lunches, sports activities, or travel.
Before being approved for space consumption, the jerky underwent a rigorous selection process by both the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA.
Natalie Hirsch, overseeing operational space medicine at the CSA, mentioned that while NASA supplies about 75% of the food for astronauts, they can personalize the remaining portion, with the CSA offering Canadian options based on astronaut preferences discovered through market surveys.
Key requirements for space-bound food include an 18-month shelf life, space-compatible packaging, and a non-crumbling texture.
According to Nolan Langer, assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre in Saskatoon, local support is essential for small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix. The facility has been producing jerky for nearly two decades and plays a crucial role in supporting local brands.
In addition to bison jerky, other Canadian products making their way to space include maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec, as well as salmon from the west coast.