Gull Lake Jerky Selected for International Space Station Mission
Trails End Buffalo Stix is once again preparing for a journey far beyond southwestern Saskatchewan. Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk has selected the Gull Lake–made bison jerky as part of his personal food choices for the upcoming NASA–SpaceX mission to the International Space Station, scheduled to launch October 1.
Co-owner Shianna Smart told Radio‑Canada that the news arrived in a way few small businesses ever experience—an unexpected email from NASA. She initially doubted it was real, but once the details were confirmed, the excitement quickly followed.
This marks the second time the Gull Lake product has been chosen for space travel. In 2013, astronaut Chris Hadfield brought the same jerky brand to the ISS under its previous ownership, giving the town an early moment of national recognition.
How Saskatchewan Jerky Gets Cleared for Space
Food chosen for astronauts must meet strict standards set by both the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA. Products are evaluated for:
18‑month shelf life
Packaging that works in microgravity
No crumbs
High nutritional value
Astronauts can personalize a portion of their menu, and the CSA surveys Canadian-made options that fit those criteria. Jerky is a strong candidate because it stores well without refrigeration and is easy to handle in zero gravity.
Made in Saskatchewan, Supported in Saskatchewan
Trails End Buffalo Stix is produced at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre in Saskatoon — a facility that specializes in helping small food businesses scale their products safely and professionally. Assistant plant manager Nolan Langer notes that the centre is one of the few places in Western Canada equipped to support small processors at this level, making local support essential for businesses like Trails End.
A Big Moment for a Small Town Local Business
Smart hopes the attention encourages people to see the jerky as a practical everyday snack—not just something fit for astronauts. She says the product works well for school lunches, sports, road trips, and anywhere a durable, high‑protein option is needed.
With another Gull Lake product heading into orbit, the town earns a fresh moment of national recognition—a reminder that even small‑town Saskatchewan continues to reach extraordinary heights.
Gull Lake Events
Source:
Reporting originally published by CBC/Radio‑Canada.
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