Pikachu in Space! ESA and Pokémon Team Up for World Space Week

Pikachu has boldly gone where no Pokémon has gone before — outer space! The European Space Agency (ESA) and The Pokémon Company International have joined forces to celebrate World Space Week 2026, which runs from October 4 through October 10. Together, they are using the world's most famous electric mouse to get young people excited about space exploration. The partnership kicked off with a Pikachu toy floating aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and it includes exhibitions, events, and even a Pokémon GO update across Europe.

The Pikachu toy spent 67 days in orbit aboard the ISS, from April 11 to June 17. During that time, it completed 1,040 trips around Earth. Pikachu shared the station with seven human astronauts, including ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, who arrived on SpaceX's Crew-12 mission. It was a small toy on a big adventure.

This fall, ESA and Pokémon will bring the excitement down to Earth with special exhibitions and programs. Fans can visit ESA sites and major museums across Europe to explore space through the lens of Pokémon. The exhibitions will feature themed Pokémon character panels that explain how Europe launches space missions, supports ISS astronauts, and studies the sun and solar system. These events are meant to make learning about space fun and easy to understand for visitors of all ages.

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher explained why this kind of partnership matters. 'Through this collaboration with Pokémon, we are unlocking new ways for people across Europe to connect with space through a unique and engaging experience,' he said. He added that the goal is to 'ignite curiosity' and help people discover what space has to offer for the future. Aschbacher believes that taking space education beyond traditional settings can spark wonder in new audiences.

Pokémon GO players will also get in on the fun. A special in-game event inspired by the ESA and Pokémon partnership will run from October 4, 2026, to April 30, 2027. Players who visit participating science and space museums will find unique gameplay tied to the mysteries of space, including a chance to encounter Astronaut Pikachu. It is a creative way to get fans moving and exploring real-world science locations.

The exhibitions will open at several ESA locations during ESA Open Days 2026. These include ESA Headquarters in Paris on September 19–20, ESRIN in Rome on September 25, and ESTEC in the Netherlands on September 26–27. Events will also take place in Darmstadt, Germany; Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain; and Harwell, United Kingdom. After the main launch, the exhibition will travel to other venues across Europe through April 2027.

Mathieu Galante, a senior director at The Pokémon Company International, said the collaboration feels like a natural fit. 'From distant regions to encounters that reach into outer space, that spirit of discovery has always been part of being a Pokémon Trainer,' he said. He believes that bringing together Pokémon and space exploration opens an exciting new frontier for fans. Exclusive ESA and Pokémon merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and collectibles, will also be available at partner shops and museum stores.