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 communication, she was thrilled to discover 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 ventured into space. In 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield enjoyed the same snack while in orbit under the previous ownership of Trails End Buffalo Stix.
Smart expressed her excitement, stating, “I knew it had been to space, but I never expected another request, so that was pretty thrilling.” She hopes that the space-bound jerky will showcase its versatility for various uses beyond space travel, such as for kids’ lunches, sports activities, or during travels.
Before being approved for space travel, the jerky went through a selection process by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA to ensure it meets the necessary criteria for space consumption. Natalie Hirsch, overseeing operational space medicine at the CSA, mentioned that while NASA provides most of the food for astronauts, they have the flexibility to customize their meals, with the CSA offering Canadian options.
The selected food items must have an 18-month shelf life, space-compatible packaging, and minimal crumbs to meet space travel requirements. 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, as the facility has been producing jerky for nearly two decades and plays a crucial role in supporting local producers.
Canadian products sent to space vary from maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec to salmon from the west coast, showcasing Canada’s diverse culinary offerings on the international space stage.
