Receiving an email supposedly from NASA is often met with skepticism by many, including Shianna Smart, co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan.
Initially questioning the authenticity of the email, Smart’s doubts were dispelled as she engaged with NASA representatives, leading to an exhilarating realization of the opportunity presented to her brand.
Smart was informed that Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk had chosen the bison jerky from her brand as a snack for the upcoming NASA-SpaceX mission to the International Space Station scheduled for October 1, pending final approval.
This isn’t the first time that Saskatchewan bison jerky has made its way to space. In 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield enjoyed the same snack while the business was under different ownership.
Expressing her excitement, Smart mentioned, “I knew it had been sent to space before, but I never expected a repeat request, so this was particularly thrilling.”
Shianna Smart didn’t believe the email informing her business that an astronaut had chosen its product. (CBC)
Smart hopes that the bison jerky’s journey to space will highlight its suitability for various terrestrial purposes as well.
“I am hoping lots of people out there see it and realize that it will be great to take for my kids’ lunches, sports, or traveling,” she remarked.
Before being approved for space travel, the jerky underwent a selection process by both the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA to ensure its compatibility beyond the stratosphere.
A worker helps process Saskatchewan jerky. (Julien Lecacheur/Radio-Canada)
Natalie Hirsch, overseeing operational space medicine at the CSA, explained 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.
According to Hirsch, astronaut preferences are taken into account, and a market survey is conducted to align with their choices.
Criteria such as an 18-month shelf life, space-compatible packaging, and crumb-free properties are essential for food items destined for space missions.
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