Pikachu has officially been to space. Not as a video game lore or an anime plot line—a physical Pikachu plush clad in a spacesuit actually resided aboard the International Space Station from April 11 to June 17, 2026. Accompanying European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot on her mission, the plush spent 67 days in orbit and completed approximately 1,040 orbits around Earth before returning safely to ground. ESA and The Pokémon Company International officially announced this exclusive partnership in celebration of World Space Week 2026 (October 4–10).
Pokémon GO serves as the primary in-game component of this collaboration. From October 4, 2026, to April 30, 2027, one-star raids will feature at six partner museums across Europe. Players who complete the raid on-site can catch an “Astronaut Pikachu” featuring a unique Location Background—with Shiny versions also available. Participating venues include the Science Museum in London, Cité de l’espace in Toulouse, Deutsches Museum in Nuremberg, City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Space Expo in Noordwijk, and Euro Space Center in Transinne.
During World Space Week (October 4–10), PokéStops at these partner museums will offer themed Field Research tasks, alongside significantly increased wild spawn rates for space-related Pokémon such as Clefairy, Magnemite, Staryu, Lunatone, and Solrock. ESA’s seven major research establishments in Europe—including its headquarters in Paris, ESRIN in Frascati, Italy, and ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany—will host the same in-game activities, albeit without the location backgrounds.
The collaboration also encompasses a touring exhibition jointly developed by ESA and Pokémon. Utilizing character panels, the exhibit connects Pokémon with real-world space science, covering topics such as European rocket launches, life aboard the ISS, and exploration of the Sun and solar system. Limited-edition merchandise will follow, though official sources have yet to disclose specific release dates, pricing, or exhibition tour venues.
A Pikachu plush flew around the Earth a thousand times, and now it has returned to the game—waiting for you to retrieve it at a museum.
FAQ
Q: How can I obtain Astronaut Pikachu in Pokémon GO?
A: From October 4, 2026, to April 30, 2027, complete one-star raids at six partner museums across Europe. It comes with a special Location Background, and Shiny versions may also appear.
Q: How long did the Pikachu plush stay in space?
A: From April 11 to June 17, 2026, spending 67 days in orbit and circling the Earth approximately 1,040 times.
Source: ESA Official
Tags: #Event #Exhibition #Collectibles
