Shianna Smart, the co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix located in Gull Lake, southwestern Saskatchewan, was initially skeptical when she received an email from NASA. However, after further communication, she discovered that Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk had chosen her brand’s bison jerky for the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station on 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 jerky sticks while in orbit under previous ownership of the business.
Smart expressed her excitement at the opportunity, stating, “I knew it had been sent to space before, but I never imagined we would be selected again, so this is incredibly thrilling.”
The jerky underwent a rigorous selection process by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA before being approved for space travel. Natalie Hirsch, overseeing operational space medicine at the CSA, mentioned that while NASA provides most of the food for astronauts, they can personalize some options, with the CSA offering Canadian choices.
Requirements for space-bound food include an 18-month shelf life, space-friendly packaging, and the absence of crumbs to ensure cleanliness and practicality in space conditions.
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 community support for local enterprises to flourish.
In addition to bison jerky, Canadian products heading to space include maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec and salmon from the west coast. Smart hopes that the exposure of her jerky in space will highlight its suitability for various occasions such as kids’ lunches, sports activities, and travel.
Overall, the selection of Saskatchewan bison jerky for the upcoming space mission showcases the quality and diversity of Canadian products that can reach beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.