Following a secret 67-day orbital mission aboard the International Space Station, a special plush Pikachu returned to Earth to launch a major European collaboration. The European Space Agency and The Pokémon Company International are rolling out a traveling exhibition and Pokémon GO activations across Europe running from September 2026 through April 2027.
Pikachu’s Orbital Mission and Return to Earth
A plush Pikachu made a secret journey into orbit earlier this year to spark interest in the European Space Agency and its scientific activities. The electrified yellow mouse arrived at the orbiting outpost on board a Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo spacecraft and returned to Earth inside a SpaceX Dragon capsule, as detailed by Collectspace.
During its stay from April 11 to June 17, the plush spent 67 days in space during the ongoing mission of ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot. The doll completed approximately 1,040 orbits around Earth while dressed in a custom white spacesuit featuring its own mission patch.
Exhibition Launch Across ESA Sites and European Museums
The announcement of the plush’s orbital journey kicked off a traveling exhibition that blends real scientific content with imaginative visual storytelling. Co-created by ESA and Pokémon, the family-friendly exhibition features themed panels exploring how Europe launches missions, supports astronauts on the International Space Station, studies the Sun, and explores the wider universe.
The exhibition debuted during ESA Open Days, starting at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France on September 19–20, 2026. The tour continues across agency establishments throughout September and October, including ESRIN in Rome on September 25, ESTEC in Noordwijk on September 26–27, ESOC in Darmstadt on October 2, ESAC in Villanueva de la Cañada on October 3, and ECSAT in Harwell on October 10.
Following these agency-hosted openings, the exhibition will travel to major museums and venues across Europe from early October 2026 until April 2027. Participating locations include the Cité de l’espace in Toulouse, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia, the Deutsches Museum in Nuremberg, the Euro Space Center in Transinne, Lucca Comics & Games in Lucca, the Science Museum in London, and Space Expo in Noordwijk.
Digital Integration Through Pokémon GO
The partnership extends into the digital realm with a specialized Pokémon GO in-game activation. Beginning during World Space Week on October 4 through April 30, 2027, app users visiting participating science and space museums across Europe will encounter space-themed gameplay, including encounters with Astronaut Pikachu.
Trainers visiting these venues can participate in One-Star Raids featuring Astronaut Pikachu, Timed Research, and special Pokémon encounters. Some Pokémon discovered through these activities will feature a unique Location Background commemorating the visit. During World Space Week from October 4 to 10, additional event gameplay including Field Research and increased wild Pokémon spawns will be active at participating museum locations and all ESA facilities across Europe.
Official Statements on Space Exploration and Discovery
Leadership from both organizations emphasized the educational and inspirational goals of the partnership.
“Through this collaboration with Pokémon, we are unlocking new ways for people across Europe to connect with space through a unique and engaging experience. 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
Representatives from The Pokémon Company International noted that the themes of exploration and unknown regions align naturally with both the franchise’s core identity and actual space missions.
“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. Collaborating with ESA opens a new frontier for fans, bringing together the world of Pokémon and the wonder of space for visitors at locations across Europe.”
Mathieu Galante, senior director of licensing at The Pokémon Company International
Exclusive Merchandise and Retail Availability
To complement the exhibition and digital events, an exclusive line of ESA x Pokémon merchandise is rolling out. The collection includes apparel, accessories, and collectibles available through official ESA and Pokémon retail channels as well as partner museum shops, extending the exploration experience for visitors long after they leave the exhibition spaces.