Pikachu is one of Earth’s newest ambassadors to outer space, thanks to a new partnership. The European Space Agency (ESA) and The Pokémon Company International (TPCI) have teamed up to honor World Space Week 2026, which will take place from October 4 to 10. To kick off this inaugural collaboration, a Pikachu toy floated aboard the International Space Station from April 11 to June 17, enjoying 67 days in orbit and completing 1,040 trips around our Earth. big blue marble Pikachu joined seven human astronauts aboard the orbital laboratory, including ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, who arrived on SpaceX’s Crew-12 mission. Space mouse Pikachu partners with ESA for World Space Week. (Image credit: ESA) This pop culture fusion will also spawn temporary exhibitions and interactive programs this fall revolving around the Pokémon space and experience at ESA sites and major museums across Europe. “Inspiring future generations is a key part of ESA’s mission,” ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said in a statement. You may like “Through this collaboration with Pokémon, we are unlocking new ways for people across Europe to connect with space through a unique and engaging experience,” he added. “By taking space exploration beyond traditional settings, we hope to spark curiosity, spark a sense of wonder about our universe, and encourage people of all ages to discover opportunities that space offers for the future.” As with any promotional campaign, this out-of-this-world collaboration features exclusive products. ESA x Pokémon apparel, accessories, and collectibles will be available through Pokémon agency and retail channels, including partner museum stores. There’s even a Pokémon GO in-game activation inspired by ESA x Pokémon, which will run from October 4, 2026 to April 30, 2027. Trainers at participating science and space museums will discover unique Pokémon GO gameplay featuring the mysteries of space, including up-close encounters with astronaut Pikachu. The fun exhibition launches at ESA venues and European museums during ESA Open Days 2026 at these locations: ESA Headquarters, Paris: 19-20 September 2026ESRIN, Rome: 25 September 2026ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands: 26-27 September 2026ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany: 2 October 2026ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain: October 3, 2026ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom: October 10, 2026By incorporating themed panels of Pokémon characters, visitors can explore important elements of Europa’s space activities, discovering how Europa launches missions, helps ISS astronauts, studies the sun and learns about the solar system and the universe in general. “Every Pokémon journey begins with a sense of wonder about what lies beyond the world you know.” Mathieu Galante, senior director of licensing at The Pokémon Company International, said in the same statement. “From faraway regions to encounters that reach into outer space, that spirit of discovery has always been part of being a Pokémon Trainer,” he added. “Collaborating with ESA opens a new frontier for fans, bringing together the world of Pokémon and the wonder of space for visitors in locations across Europe.” Following its main launch, the exhibition travels to a variety of different locations and special events across Europe from October 2026 to April 2027. For a full list of locations, visit the official ESA website here.
