Receiving an email purportedly from NASA initially made Shianna Smart, co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, skeptical. However, after engaging with the sender and gathering more details, she found the news thrilling, as she shared in an interview with Radio Canada.
Smart discovered that Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk had chosen the bison jerky from her brand for consumption during the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station scheduled for October 1, pending final approval.
Back in 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield had also enjoyed the Saskatchewan bison jerky sticks while they were under different ownership and already been to space.
Expressing her excitement, Smart mentioned, “I was aware it had been sent to space before, but I never imagined it would be requested again, so this was quite thrilling.”
Shianna Smart was initially doubtful about an astronaut selecting their product. (CBC)
Smart hopes that the jerky heading to space will demonstrate its suitability for various other settings.
“I hope that many people see it and recognize its value for their kids’ lunches, sports activities, or travel,” she expressed.
Before being approved for space travel, the jerky underwent a meticulous selection process by the CSA and NASA.
A worker assisting in the processing of Saskatchewan jerky. (Julien Lecacheur/Radio-Canada)
Natalie Hirsch, overseeing operational space medicine at the Canadian Space Agency, mentioned that while NASA supplies most of the food for astronauts, the remaining portion can be personalized, with Canadian options provided by the CSA.
Hirsch stated, “We meet with our astronauts when they’ve been assigned to a mission, learn about their preferences, and conduct market surveys accordingly.”
Additional requirements for food going to space include an 18-month shelf life, space-compatible packaging, and a non-crumbly nature.