In a surprising turn of events, Shianna Smart, co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, received an email from NASA, which initially seemed like a scam to her. However, after engaging in conversations and obtaining more details, Smart found out that Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk had chosen their bison jerky for the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station scheduled for October 1, pending final approval.
This isn’t the first time Saskatchewan bison jerky has made its way to space. In 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield enjoyed the same snack while in orbit under the previous ownership of the business.
Smart expressed her excitement, stating, “I knew it had been gone to space … but I never thought we will be asked again so that was pretty exciting.” She hopes that the bison jerky’s journey to space will highlight its suitability for various occasions such as kids’ lunches, sports activities, and travel.
Before being cleared for space travel, the jerky underwent a rigorous selection process by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA. Approximately three-quarters of the food for astronauts is provided by NASA, while the CSA offers Canadian options, allowing astronauts to customize their remaining food choices.
Natalie Hirsch, overseeing operational space medicine at the CSA, explained that astronaut preferences play a significant role in selecting food items for missions. Additional criteria include an 18-month shelf life, space-friendly packaging, and the absence of crumbs.
Local support is vital for 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 these enterprises.
Products from Canada going to space encompass a variety of items, including maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec, as well as salmon from the west coast. The collaboration between local businesses and space programs showcases the diversity and quality of Canadian products on a global scale.