Pikachu's Galactic Journey: A Pokémon and ESA Collaboration

Uniting Worlds: Pikachu's Cosmic Adventure

Pikachu's Historic Voyage to the International Space Station

In a remarkable display of cross-cultural engagement, a plush representation of Pikachu, the iconic Pokémon, was launched into space. It spent a total of 67 days aboard the International Space Station, completing 1040 orbits around our planet. This interstellar journey, spanning from April 11th to June 27th, 2026, serves as a central component of the joint initiative between The Pokémon Company and the European Space Agency.

Inspiring Curiosity: The Vision Behind the Partnership

This collaboration extends beyond the initial space flight, aiming to ignite a passion for space exploration among individuals of all age groups. Through a series of temporary exhibitions hosted at various ESA facilities and museums across Europe, the project seeks to make scientific discovery accessible and exciting. The initiative is designed to blend educational content with the widespread appeal of the Pokémon franchise.

Engaging Fans: Special Events and Exhibitions Across Europe

To further enhance public participation, the partnership includes a unique event within the popular mobile game, Pokémon GO. This digital component allows fans to connect with the cosmic theme of the collaboration. Additionally, a comprehensive schedule of physical exhibitions has been planned at key locations. These include ESA headquarters in Paris, France; ESRIN in Rome, Italy; ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands; ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany; ESAC in Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain; and ECSAT in Harwell, United Kingdom, with events scheduled throughout September and October 2026.

Expanding Reach: Museum Showcases and Educational Outreach

Following the initial ESA site activations, the collaborative effort will transition to museum exhibitions. These will run from early October 2026 through April 2027 at prominent cultural institutions. Participating venues include Cité de l’espace in Toulouse, France; Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia, Spain; Deutsches Museum in Nuremberg, Germany; Euro Space Center in Libin, Belgium; Lucca Comics & Games in Lucca, Italy; Science Museum in London, United Kingdom; and Space Expo in Noordwijk, Netherlands. These widespread displays are set to provide immersive experiences, further deepening public engagement with the wonders of space and the charm of Pokémon.