Shianna Smart, 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 scheduled for October 1st, pending final approval.
This isn’t the first time that the brand’s bison jerky has made its way into space. Back in 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield also enjoyed the Saskatchewan bison jerky sticks during his time in orbit under the previous ownership of the business.
Excited about the opportunity, Smart expressed her hopes that the space-bound jerky will showcase its versatility and appeal to a wider audience for various occasions like kids’ lunches, sports activities, and travel purposes.
Before being approved for space consumption, the jerky underwent a rigorous selection process by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA. Natalie Hirsch from the Canadian Space Agency mentioned that while NASA supplies most of the food for astronauts, they can personalize a portion of their meals, including Canadian options provided by the CSA.
Key requirements for space food include an 18-month shelf life, space-friendly packaging, and a crumb-free composition. Langer, the assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, emphasized the importance of local support for small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix to thrive.
Furthermore, Canadian products chosen for space missions aren’t limited to jerky, as items such as maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec and salmon from the west coast have also made their way to space in the past.
