The European Space Agency (ESA) and The Pokémon Company International (TPCI) launched a collaboration in 2026, sending a Pikachu plush to the International Space Station (ISS) and unveiling a Europe-wide exhibition to inspire space exploration.
A Pikachu plush travelled to the International Space Station, spending 67 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) from April 11 to June 17, 2026, completing approximately 1040 orbits of Earth. The journey, part of a partnership between the European Space Agency (ESA) and The Pokémon Company International (TPCI), aims to spark curiosity about space through a blend of science and pop culture. The collaboration includes a temporary exhibition, exclusive merchandise, and a Pokémon GO in-game event running until April 2027.
Pikachu’s Orbital Journey
The Pikachu plush traveled to the ISS aboard ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot’s mission, joining seven human astronauts aboard the orbiting lab. During its 67-day stay, the toy orbited Earth approximately 1,040 times, marking a symbolic fusion of space exploration and the Pokémon universe. The mission coincided with World Space Week 2026 (October 4–10) and served as a centerpiece for the ESA-TPCI partnership, which seeks to engage audiences of all ages with space science through imaginative storytelling.
Inspiring future generations is a key part of ESA’s mission,
said ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher. Through this collaboration with Pokémon, we are unlocking new ways for people across Europe to connect with space through a unique and engaging experience.
The Pikachu’s journey highlights how space agencies are increasingly leveraging pop culture to make scientific concepts more accessible.
Exhibition Details and Locations
The partnership includes a Europe-wide exhibition co-created by ESA and Pokémon, blending scientific content with themed panels featuring Pokémon characters. The exhibition debuted during ESA Open Days 2026 at venues such as ESA Headquarters in Paris, ESRIN in Rome, and ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. It will later travel to museums across Europe, including the Science Museum in London and the Deutsches Museum in Nuremberg, until April 2027.
The exhibition’s interactive panels explore topics like Europe’s space activities, astronaut support, and solar system research. Mathieu Galante, senior director of licensing at The Pokémon Company International, emphasized the alignment between Pokémon’s spirit of discovery
and space exploration: From distant regions to encounters that reach into outer space, that spirit of discovery has always been part of being a Pokémon Trainer.
Pokémon GO Integration
The collaboration extends into the digital realm with a Pokémon GO in-game activation. From October 4, 2026, to April 30, 2027, Trainers visiting participating science and space museums can encounter Astronaut Pikachu and participate in One-Star Raids, Timed Research, and special Pokémon encounters. During World Space Week, additional events like Field Research and increased wild Pokémon spawns will be available at museum locations.
The Pokémon GO experience aims to spark curiosity by connecting real-world space themes with in-game activities. Visitors may also collect special Location Backgrounds commemorating their museum visits, blending digital and physical engagement. The initiative underscores how gaming platforms are becoming tools for educational outreach.
Exclusive Merchandise and Broader Impact
ESA and TPCI are also releasing exclusive merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and collectibles available through retail channels and museum shops. The items are designed to extend the exhibition’s theme beyond physical venues, encouraging continued engagement with space exploration.
The partnership reflects a broader trend of space agencies collaborating with entertainment industries to broaden public interest. By merging the Pokémon franchise’s global appeal with ESA’s scientific authority, the collaboration seeks to make space science more relatable.