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ESA and Pokémon space science outreach partnership

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-21 12:25 UTC → 2026-09-23 09:04 UTC · added removed

The European Space Agency (ESA) and The Pokémon Company International have launched a collaborative initiative to promote space science through pop culture. The partnership is inspired by a Pikachu plush toy that completed approximately 1,040 orbits aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during astronaut Sophie Adenot’s mission between April and June 2026. To celebrate World Space Week 2026, which runs from October 4 to October 10, 2026 (October 4–10), an itinerant exhibition will tour various ESA facilities and major European museums—including museums. The tour is set to debut during the ESA Open Days 2026 at locations in including Paris, Rome, Frascati, Noordwijk, Darmstadt, Madrid, Villanueva de la Cañada, and Harwell. Following this, the exhibition will expand to major scientific and museum hubs such as the Cité de l’espace in Toulouse, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia, the Deutsches Museum in Nuremberg, the Euro Space Center in Belgium, the Science Museum in London, and more—from September 2026 through April 2027. the Lucca Comics & Games event in Italy. These displays aim to use Pokémon characters to “lower barriers to understanding complex space science topics,” such as rocket launches, solar system observation, and astronaut support, to engage younger audiences and foster interest in STEM careers. The initiative also features a digital component through the mobile game Pokémon GO. From late 2026 to April 2027, GO, where players visiting participating museums can engage in time-limited research and encounter an astronaut-themed Pikachu through 1-star raids. Additionally, the collaboration includes exclusive merchandise, such as apparel, accessories, and specialized Pikachu plushes.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-23 09:04 UTC ESA and Pokémon space science outreach partnership
  2. 2026-09-21 12:25 UTC ESA and Pokémon space science outreach partnership
  3. 2026-09-21 07:43 UTC ESA and Pokémon space science outreach partnership
  4. 2026-09-21 04:29 UTC ESA and Pokémon space science outreach partnership

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