Pikachu has gone to space. Not in an episode of the anime: a real Pikachu plush travelled aboard the International Space Station during the mission of French ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot. It spent 67 days in orbit, from April 11 to June 17, 2026, or about 1,040 orbits of the Earth.
This trip marks the start of an official collaboration between The Pokémon Company International and the European Space Agency (ESA), unveiled on September 19 at the ESA Open Days in Paris. It accompanies World Space Week 2026, from October 4 to 10.
A Pokémon x ESA exhibition across Europe
The heart of the project is a family exhibition co-created by ESA and Pokémon. It blends scientific content and illustrations: through themed panels, visitors discover how Europe launches its missions, supports its astronauts on the ISS, studies the Sun and explores the solar system. Some panels feature Pokémon to make the subjects more playful.
The exhibition makes its debut during the ESA Open Days:
- ESA Headquarters, Paris: September 19 and 20, 2026;
- ESRIN, Frascati (Italy): September 25;
- ESTEC, Noordwijk (Netherlands): September 26 and 27;
- ESOC, Darmstadt (Germany): October 2;
- ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada (Spain): October 3;
- ECSAT, Harwell (United Kingdom): October 10.
It will then be shown at several venues across Europe from early October 2026 to April 2027. In France, it is hosted by the Cité de l’espace in Toulouse. The other stops: the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia, the Deutsches Museum in Nuremberg, the Euro Space Center in Belgium, Lucca Comics & Games in Italy, the Science Museum in London and the Space Expo in Noordwijk.
Sophie Adenot, a star ambassador
For French fans, seeing a French astronaut take Pikachu into orbit is bound to be a treat. The Astronaut Pikachu plush, white suit and helmet included, was photographed in the Cupola, the ISS observation module, with the Earth in the background. Sophie Adenot then presented it at a ceremony at ESA headquarters in Paris.
“Inspiring future generations is a key part of ESA’s mission. Through this collaboration with Pokémon, we are opening new paths for Europeans to get closer to space through a unique and captivating experience.”
Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General
On the Pokémon side, Mathieu Galante, Senior Director of Licensing at The Pokémon Company International, notes that “every Pokémon adventure begins with a sense of wonder about what lies beyond the world we know”.
Exclusive merchandise
The collaboration comes with an exclusive ESA x Pokémon range: clothing, accessories and collectibles, including plush toys and Pokémon TCG accessories. They will be sold through ESA and Pokémon channels (including the online Pokémon Center) as well as in partner museum shops.
Astronaut Pikachu in Pokémon GO
The collaboration also extends to Pokémon GO. From October 4, 2026 to April 30, 2027, Trainers who visit participating museums will be able to face Astronaut Pikachu in 1-star Raids and catch it with a special Location Background as a souvenir of their visit. A Special Research is also planned. Six museums are involved: the Science Museum in London, the Cité de l’espace in Toulouse, the Deutsches Museum in Nuremberg, the Museu de les Ciències in Valencia, the Space Expo in Noordwijk and the Euro Space Center in Transinne.
During World Space Week, from October 4 to 10, themed Field Research and more wild Pokémon appearances (Clefairy, Magnemite, Starmie, Lunatone, Solrock, Elgyem…) are planned around the museums. All of these activities, except the Location Backgrounds, will also be offered near ESA sites in Europe, including its Paris headquarters.
Whether you pass through Toulouse or stay close to home, it is a chance to run into Pikachu in an astronaut outfit. We can’t wait to see the exhibition!
Sources: The Pokémon Company International, ESA, Pokémon GO.
