Shianna Smart, co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, initially doubted the legitimacy of an email from NASA. However, after engaging with them and gathering more details, she found it to be genuine and exciting. The Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk has selected their bison jerky for consumption during the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station scheduled for October 1, pending final approval.
This isn’t the first time their product has ventured into space. Back in 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield enjoyed the Saskatchewan bison jerky sticks while the business was under different ownership. Smart expressed her surprise and excitement at the opportunity to be chosen again for space travel.
She hopes that the bison jerky’s journey to space will showcase its suitability for various settings beyond Earth, including kids’ lunches, sports activities, and travel. The jerky underwent a rigorous selection process by the CSA and NASA before being cleared for cosmic consumption.
Natalie Hirsch from the Canadian Space Agency explained that while NASA provides most of the food for astronauts, they can personalize the remaining portion. The CSA offers Canadian options, and selections are based on astronauts’ preferences and market surveys. Specific requirements include an 18-month shelf life, space-compatible packaging, and crumb-free products.
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 importance of local backing for such enterprises. The center has been producing jerky for nearly two decades, serving as a crucial hub for small clients in Western Canada.
Apart from bison jerky, Canadian products heading to space include maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec, as well as salmon from the west coast.