Like many who receive emails from NASA, Shianna Smart initially suspected a scam. However, after engaging in discussions with them and gathering more details, the co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, found the experience exhilarating. Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk has chosen to bring her brand’s bison jerky on the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station, scheduled for October 1 pending final approval.
In a recent interview with Radio Canada, Smart expressed her surprise and excitement at this opportunity, especially considering that Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield had previously enjoyed the same Saskatchewan bison jerky sticks during his time in orbit back in 2013.
The prospect of her jerky being part of a space mission has inspired Smart, who hopes that its inclusion will showcase its suitability for various purposes such as school lunches, sports activities, and travel.
Before being cleared for space consumption, the jerky underwent a meticulous selection process by both the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA. According to Natalie Hirsch, who oversees operational space medicine at the CSA, while NASA supplies most of the food for astronauts, they are allowed to personalize a portion of it, with Canadian options provided by the CSA.
Hirsch emphasized that astronaut preferences play a significant role in determining the food choices, which must meet specific criteria such as an 18-month shelf life, space-compatible packaging, and a non-crumbling nature. She added that products like jerky, known for their extended shelf life, are ideal for space missions where refrigeration may not be available.
Nolan Langer, assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, highlighted the importance of local support for small businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix. The center has been instrumental in producing jerky for nearly two decades, offering essential processing services for small clients in western Canada.
Apart from bison jerky, Canadian space-bound products include maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec, as well as salmon from the west coast.