Shianna Smart, the co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, southwestern Saskatchewan, initially doubted the legitimacy of an email from NASA. However, after engaging with them and receiving more details, she found it to be an exciting opportunity. It was revealed in an interview with Radio Canada that Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk had chosen the bison jerky from her brand to take on the NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station scheduled for October 1, pending final approval.

Previously, in 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield had also enjoyed the Saskatchewan bison jerky sticks in space under the previous ownership of the business. Smart expressed her surprise at being approached again for this unique opportunity.

The selection process for the jerky involved assessments by both the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA before it was cleared for space travel. Natalie Hirsch from the CSA, overseeing operational space medicine, mentioned that while NASA supplies most of the food, astronauts have the liberty to personalize a portion of their meals. The CSA ensures Canadian options are available to them based on their preferences.

Specific requirements for space food include an 18-month shelf life, space-friendly packaging, and the absence of crumbs. Local support plays a vital role in the success of businesses like Trails End Buffalo Stix, as emphasized by Nolan Langer, the assistant plant manager at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre in Saskatoon. The facility, operational for nearly two decades, has been instrumental in producing jerky for small clients in the region.

Canadian products chosen for space missions extend beyond bison jerky and can include items such as maple syrup from Ontario and Quebec, as well as salmon from the west coast. Smart hopes that the exposure of her jerky in space will highlight its suitability for various purposes, including children’s lunches, sports activities, and travel.