ESA and Pokémon partner for space exploration campaign

The European Space Agency (ESA) and The Pokémon Company International have announced a major collaboration to celebrate World Space Week 2026, running from October 4 to 10. The partnership aims to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers by blending space exploration themes with popular culture.

The initiative is anchored by the story of a Pikachu plush that traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) with ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot. During her mission from April 11 to June 17, 2026, the plush completed approximately 1,040 orbits around Earth.

Key components of the collaboration include:

• An itinerant exhibition: Traveling to various ESA facilities and major European museums (including sites in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and the UK) through April 2027. • Pokémon GO integration: Special in-game events featuring an Astronaut Pikachu in One-Star Raid Battles, themed research, and location-specific backgrounds for players visiting participating museums. • Exclusive merchandise: A range of collectible items, including apparel, accessories, and specialized Pikachu plushes.

The exhibitions will cover scientific topics such as rocket launches, astronaut support on the ISS, and the study of the solar system, using Pokémon characters to make complex concepts more accessible to younger audiences.