Shianna Smart, the co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, initially doubted the legitimacy of an email supposedly from NASA. However, after engaging in discussions and receiving more details, she found the opportunity exciting. Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk has chosen the bison jerky from her brand to accompany him on the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station, scheduled for October 1 pending final approval.
In a surprising turn of events, it was revealed that Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield had previously enjoyed the Saskatchewan bison jerky sticks in space back in 2013, during the tenure of the business’s former owners. Smart expressed her astonishment, stating she never anticipated a repeat request for their product to be included in a space mission.
Smart is optimistic that the jerky’s journey to space will showcase its versatility for various purposes. She envisions its appeal as a suitable snack for children’s lunches, sporting events, or travel. The selection process by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA meticulously scrutinized the jerky before granting approval for its cosmic voyage.
Natalie Hirsch, responsible for operational space medicine at the CSA, mentioned that while NASA supplies most of the food for astronauts, they have the liberty to personalize some of their meals. The CSA ensures Canadian options are available for the astronauts based on their preferences.
Meeting certain criteria such as an 18-month shelf life, space-friendly packaging, and a crumb-free nature are essential for food items destined for space travel. Nolan Langer, assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, emphasized the significance of local support for small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix. The facility, which has been producing jerky for nearly two decades, plays a crucial role in supporting local enterprises by offering processing services that are vital for their growth.
Apart from the bison jerky, Canadian space missions also feature a variety of products from different regions across the country, including maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec, and salmon from the west coast.