Shianna Smart, the co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, initially doubted the legitimacy of an email from NASA. However, after further communication, she was thrilled to learn that Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk had chosen their bison jerky for the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station, set for October 1 pending final approval.
In the past, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield had also enjoyed the Saskatchewan bison jerky sticks in space under previous ownership. Smart expressed her excitement, stating that while she knew the product had been to space before, she never expected a repeat opportunity.
The selected jerky underwent a rigorous evaluation process by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA before being cleared for space travel. Smart hopes that the space-bound jerky will showcase its suitability for various destinations, such as kids’ lunches, sports activities, and travel.
According to Natalie Hirsch from the Canadian Space Agency, astronauts can customize some of their food choices, with NASA supplying approximately three-quarters of the food and the CSA offering Canadian options. Preferences of astronauts are taken into account, including factors like shelf life, space-friendly packaging, and the absence of crumbs.
Local support plays a vital role in the success of small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix, as highlighted by Nolan Langer, the assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre in Saskatoon. The facility has been producing jerky for nearly two decades, catering to small clients in western Canada. Canadian products sent to space range from maple syrup to salmon, showcasing the diversity of local offerings making their way beyond Earth’s atmosphere.