In what could be described as one of the most interesting team-ups of the year, the European Space Agency and The Pokémon Company International have announced an official World Space Week collaboration, which will run from 4 to 10 October 2026. As part of the partnership, a Pikachu plush spent 67 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot’s mission, completing roughly 1,040 orbits between 11 April and 17 June 2026.
The campaign centers on a family-friendly exhibition which combines scientific discovery with Pokémon storytelling across European science centers and major museums. Visitors can explore panels covering Europe’s space missions, solar research, and life on the ISS. The exhibition will kick off across ESA headquarters and establishments this September and October before touring venues from October 2026 to April 2027, including the Cité de l’espace in Toulouse, the Deutsches Museum in Nuremberg, and the Science Museum in London.
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Fans can also purchase exclusive ESA x Pokémon apparel, accessories, and collectibles through retail channels and partner museum shops, in addition to a dedicated Pokémon GO event which will run from 4 October 2026 to 30 April 2027. Trainers visiting participating European museums will unlock special space-themed gameplay, One-Star Raids featuring Astronaut Pikachu, and special Location Backgrounds.