Pikachu has returned from a 67-day mission aboard the International Space Station, kicking off a sprawling European collaboration between the European Space Agency and The Pokémon Company International. The campaign features a traveling museum exhibition, special merchandise, and Pokémon GO in-game activations across the continent.
But the European Space Agency is taking a decidedly different route for World Space Week 2026. By pairing orbital science with one of the most recognizable entertainment franchises on Earth, the agency aims to reach audiences that rarely visit traditional research facilities.
The 1,040-Orbit Plush Toy
Long before the public announcement, a secret payload hitched a ride to low-Earth orbit. A plush Pikachu, outfitted in a custom white spacesuit complete with a dedicated mission patch, spent nearly two months circling the globe. The toy arrived at the orbiting laboratory via a Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo spacecraft and eventually returned to Earth aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule.
The stuffed traveler logged 67 days in orbit, spanning from April 11 to June 17, during the mission of ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot. Over that stretch, the electrified mouse completed approximately 1,040 revolutions around the planet. The stunt served as a playful prelude to a much larger educational push.
“Through this collaboration with Pokémon, we are unlocking new ways for people across Europe to connect with space through a unique and engaging experience,” says ESA’s Director General Josef Aschbacher. “By taking space exploration beyond traditional settings, we hope to ignite curiosity, spark a sense of wonder about our Universe and encourage people of all ages to discover the opportunities that space offers for the future.”
Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s Director General
A Traveling Exhibition Across European Facilities and Museums
The core of the initiative is a family-friendly exhibition co-created by the space agency and The Pokémon Company International. The display blends actual scientific data with character-driven visual storytelling. The exhibition panels explain how Europe launches missions, supports researchers on the space station, studies the Sun, and explores the wider Solar System, all while incorporating familiar creatures to draw in younger visitors.
- ESRIN in Rome, Italy on September 25, 2026
- ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands on September 26–27, 2026
- ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany on October 2, 2026
- ESAC in Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain on October 3, 2026
- ECSAT in Harwell, United Kingdom on October 10, 2026
Following these facility debuts, the exhibition will transfer to prominent public science institutions across the continent from early October 2026 through April 2027. Participating venues include the Cité de l’espace in Toulouse, France; the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia, Spain; the Deutsches Museum in Nuremberg, Germany; the Euro Space Center in Transinne, Belgium; Lucca Comics & Games in Lucca, Italy; the Science Museum in London, United Kingdom; and Space Expo in Noordwijk, Netherlands.
“Every Pokémon journey begins with a sense of wonder about what lies beyond the world you know. From distant regions to encounters that reach into outer space, that spirit of discovery has always been part of being a Pokémon Trainer.”
Mathieu Galante, senior director of licensing at The Pokémon Company International
Digital Activations and Specialized Merchandise
Beyond the physical museum panels, the partnership extends into mobile gaming and retail channels. Beginning on October 4, 2026, coinciding with the start of World Space Week, and running through April 30, 2027, users of Pokémon GO visiting participating museums will encounter space-inspired gameplay.
Trainers visiting these science venues can participate in One-Star Raids featuring Astronaut Pikachu, alongside Timed Research tasks. Certain encounters will reward players with a specialized Location Background commemorating the museum visit. During the initial week of World Space Week, running from October 4 to October 10, 2026, expanded wild spawns and Field Research will also be deployed at participating locations and all agency establishments across Europe.
To cap off the campaign, exclusive apparel, accessories, and collectible merchandise developed through the partnership will be stocked at agency channels, Pokémon retail outlets, and partner museum shops, ensuring fans can take a piece of the cosmic collaboration home with them.