When Shianna Smart received an email from NASA, she initially suspected it was a scam, a common reaction shared by many. However, after engaging in conversation with the space agency, Smart, the co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, found the opportunity exhilarating.
The news that Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk had 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, was met with excitement by Smart.
This isn’t the first time that Saskatchewan bison jerky has made its way to space. In 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield snacked on these jerky sticks while in orbit, albeit under different ownership of the business.
Smart expressed her surprise and delight at being approached again for this unique opportunity. She hopes that the exposure of her space-bound jerky will highlight its suitability for various everyday uses like packing kids’ lunches, sports activities, or traveling.
Before being given the green light to journey beyond the stratosphere, the jerky underwent a rigorous selection process by both the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA.
Natalie Hirsch, responsible for operational space medicine at the CSA, mentioned that while NASA supplies about three-quarters of the food for astronauts, the remaining portion can be customized, with Canadian options provided by the CSA based on the astronauts’ preferences.
Key considerations for food destined for space include an 18-month shelf life, space-friendly packaging, and the absence of crumbs to ensure safety and convenience during the mission.
Local support plays a vital role in the success of small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix. Nolan Langer, the assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre in Saskatoon, emphasized the importance of community backing for such enterprises.
Langer highlighted that the food center has been producing jerky for nearly two decades and is a crucial hub for small clients in western Canada seeking processing services.
Apart from bison jerky, Canadian products chosen for space missions include items like maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec and salmon from the west coast.