Shianna Smart, co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, initially doubted the legitimacy of an email she received from NASA. However, after further discussion, she found out that Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk had chosen their bison jerky for the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station on October 1, pending final approval.
Back in 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield had also savored the Saskatchewan bison jerky sticks during his time in orbit, under the previous ownership of the business. Smart expressed her excitement, stating that while she was aware of the jerky’s previous space journey, she never expected a repeat opportunity.
Smart hopes that the bison jerky’s journey to space will demonstrate its versatility for various settings. She envisions it as a convenient snack for kids’ lunches, sports activities, or travel purposes.
The selection process for the jerky involved evaluations by both the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA before being greenlit for space travel beyond the stratosphere.
Natalie Hirsch, overseeing operational space medicine at the CSA, mentioned that NASA supplies about three-quarters of the food for astronauts, with the remaining portion customizable. The CSA offers Canadian options to astronauts based on their preferences, determined through consultations before conducting market surveys.
Criteria for space-bound food items include an 18-month shelf life, space-compatible packaging, and the absence of crumbs to ensure cleanliness onboard. According to Hirsch, jerky products are favored for space missions due to their extended shelf life, eliminating the need for refrigeration.
Nolan Langer, assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, emphasized the importance of local support for small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix. The facility has been producing jerky for nearly two decades, catering to small clients in Western Canada.
Langer highlighted the uniqueness of the Sask. food center as one of the few facilities in Western Canada equipped to handle processing for small businesses, making it a crucial resource for local producers.
Apart from bison jerky, Canadian products sent to space include maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec, as well as salmon from the west coast.