Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk has selected cranberry bison jerky from Trails End Buffalo Stix to take aboard the International Space Station for his upcoming six-month mission, with takeoff scheduled for October 1, pending final approval.
NASA Email Surprises Saskatchewan Business Owners
When an email arrived bearing a NASA address, Shianna Smart initially assumed it was a scam. As the co-owner of Trails End Buffalo Stix, based in Gull Lake in southwestern Saskatchewan, she admitted she was hesitant at first. Discussions with the agency quickly cleared up the confusion, revealing that astronaut Joshua Kutryk had handpicked the brand’s cranberry bison jerky for his upcoming voyage.
The business shares the operation with co-owner Twila Wedrick, who described the selection in humbling terms. For him to choose us to be along for the ride and help fuel him is humbling,
Wedrick noted in recent reporting.
The product’s journey to orbit involved a screening process overseen by both the Canadian Space Agency and NASA.
Now that it is actually happening, we’re super excited,
Wedrick and Shianna Smart noted, standing in front of the jerky display set up at The Grainery Bakery in Gull Lake, Sask.
Space Agency Standards Require Strict Nutrition Rules
Preparing food for microgravity requires meeting stringent nutritional and logistical parameters. According to Natalie Hirsch, who oversees operational space medicine at the Canadian Space Agency, snacks destined for orbit must remain shelf-stable for extended periods, generate no crumbs, and feature packaging optimized for spaceflight. Because an astronaut’s sense of taste diminishes in orbit, bold flavor profiles also matter.
The meat sticks supplied by the Gull Lake business boast a two-year shelf life and are produced without preservatives, utilizing oxygen-removed packaging. Wedrick explained that the business already met federal inspection standards, though officials conducted independent laboratory checks to confirm safety and stability.
The products are processed and packaged at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre in Saskatoon. Nolan Langer, assistant plant manager at the facility, emphasized that the center serves as a processing hub for independent regional clients across western Canada who require specialized commercial production capabilities. He noted that the facility has been producing jerky since its inception almost 20 years ago.
Bison Jerky Returns to Earth’s Orbit Again
This launch marks the second time the Gull Lake bison jerky has traveled beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Back in 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield enjoyed the product while stationed in orbit.
Long before taking over the enterprise, Wedrick packed the cranberry bison jerky into school lunches and sports bags for her children as a protein source.
Launch Schedule Changes Affects Viewing Plans
While NASA initially invited the business owners to attend the takeoff at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technical delays shifted the schedule. The flight was originally set for September 12 before being pushed back.
Although the four-person team from Trails End Buffalo Stix planned to attend in person, the revised timing created scheduling conflicts, prompting them to watch the rescheduled event virtually from Saskatchewan.
Kutryk’s personal menu curation extends far beyond bison jerky. The Canadian astronaut selected a diverse roster of regional specialties to supplement standard space station rations, including British Columbia salmon and chocolates, Alberta quinoa salads, and a variety of Quebec provisions featuring maple syrup, dried fruits, and rehydratable meals.