The European Space Agency (ESA) announced this Saturday (19th) a collaboration with The Pokémon Company International (TPCI) in celebration of World Space Week 2026, which will take place from October 4th to 10th. As part of this initiative, the well-known character Pikachu was sent into space with the goal of making astronomy more accessible and fun for the public.
A plush toy of the charismatic character remained aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for 67 days, covering the period from April to June. During this stay, it completed 1,040 orbits around the Earth, accompanying seven astronauts from Expedition 74.
Details of the Initiative
According to the ESA, this partnership goes beyond the simple orbital flight of the toy. It will include the organization of interactive exhibitions and educational programs at the agency's facilities and in major museums across Europe. These activities will dynamically present how Europe conducts missions, provides support to astronauts in orbit, and conducts studies on the Sun, planets, and cosmic mysteries.
Additionally, the campaign will feature a special activation within the popular mobile game Pokémon GO, valid from October of this year until April 2027. Fans who visit partner museums will have the chance to participate in exclusive virtual encounters with Astronaut Pikachu. Furthermore, there will be an exclusive line of promotional items, including clothing, various accessories, and collectible items, available in official stores.
The Director General of the ESA emphasized that inspiring new generations is a fundamental principle of scientific work. He stated that through this cooperation with Pokémon, they are creating new ways for people across Europe to connect with space through a unique and captivating experience. The administrator added that by expanding space exploration beyond conventional contexts, the hope is to awaken curiosity, intensify the sense of wonder for the universe, and encourage individuals of all ages to discover the possibilities that space offers for the future.
For their part, executives from the Japanese franchise highlighted that the spirit of adventure and discovery has always been at the core of the gaming universe. This collaboration establishes a new frontier for fans by integrating entertainment with real science. After its launch in main centers, the traveling exhibition will tour several cities across the European continent. Interested parties can consult the agency's website for the complete schedule and list of participating locations.