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 in discussions and receiving more details, she found it thrilling. The bison jerky from her brand has been selected by Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk to be consumed 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 enjoyed the Saskatchewan bison jerky sticks in space when the business was under different ownership. Smart expressed her excitement, stating that while she knew the jerky had been to space before, she never anticipated another request, making the opportunity even more thrilling.
Smart hopes that the jerky’s journey to space will showcase its suitability for various occasions such as kids’ lunches, sports activities, and travel. The jerky underwent a rigorous selection process by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA before being approved for space travel beyond the stratosphere.
According to Natalie Hirsch, overseeing operational space medicine at the CSA, while NASA supplies approximately three-quarters of the food for astronauts, they have the freedom to customize the remainder, with the CSA offering Canadian options. Astronaut preferences are taken into account during mission assignments, followed by a market survey to cater to their choices.
Critical requirements for space-bound food include an 18-month shelf life, space-compatible packaging, and a no-crumbs policy. Local support plays a vital role in the success of small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix, as highlighted by Nolan Langer, assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre in Saskatoon, where jerky production has been ongoing for nearly two decades.
Langer emphasized the importance of local support, noting that the Sask. food center is among the few in Western Canada equipped to handle processing for small clients, making it a crucial resource for such businesses. Canadian products destined for space include a variety of items such as maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec, and salmon from the west coast.
