Shianna Smart, the co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, southwestern Saskatchewan, initially doubted the legitimacy of an email she received from NASA. However, after engaging with them and obtaining more details, she found it thrilling. Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk chose their bison jerky for the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station, set to depart on October 1 pending final approval.
Previously, in 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield had enjoyed the same bison jerky sticks while in orbit, under the previous ownership of the business. Smart expressed her surprise at being selected again, stating that she never imagined the opportunity would come around a second time.
She is hopeful that the bison jerky’s journey to space will demonstrate its suitability for various occasions such as kids’ lunches, sporting events, or travel. 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 items, with the CSA offering Canadian options. Preferences of astronauts are taken into account during mission assignment, leading to a market survey to cater to their choices.
The selected food items must meet specific criteria, including an 18-month shelf life, space-compatible packaging, and minimal crumbs. Nolan Langer, the assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, emphasized the importance of local support for businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix, highlighting the center’s nearly two-decade history of producing jerky.
Langer underscored the uniqueness of their facility in western Canada, providing processing services for small clients that are not available elsewhere. Besides bison jerky, other Canadian products making their way to space include maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec, and salmon from the west coast.