ESA and Pokémon Launch Europe-Wide Exhibition and Pokémon GO Event for World Space Week

Key points

• A Pikachu plush traveled to the International Space Station with ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot during her Epsilon mission, orbiting Earth for 67 days (April 11 to June 17, 2026).
• The collaboration includes a family-friendly exhibition debuting at ESA sites in Paris, Rome, Noordwijk, Darmstadt, Spain, and the UK, followed by a tour of major museums in Europe until April 2027.
• A Pokémon GO event runs from October 4, 2026, to April 30, 2027, featuring Astronaut Pikachu in One-Star Raids and Timed Research at participating science and space museums.
• Exclusive merchandise, including apparel, pins, and Pokémon Trading Card Game accessories, will be available through ESA and Pokémon retail channels starting October 4.
• The partnership aims to inspire curiosity about space exploration among audiences of all ages by blending scientific content with imaginative visual storytelling.

Background

This collaboration follows earlier announcements in September 2026 regarding the ESA-Pokémon partnership. It builds on Pokémon’s recent history of educational and cultural partnerships, such as collaborations with the Pokémon Fossil Museum, the Pokémon x Crafts Exhibition, and the Amsterdam Van Gogh Museum. The timing coincides with World Space Week, an annual international event designed to promote the peaceful use of outer space.

How outlets are covering it

SoraNews24 emphasizes the novelty of the Pikachu plush’s spaceflight and the upcoming merchandise, noting the shared values of curiosity and imagination between the two organizations. The European Space Agency highlights the educational aspect, with Director General Josef Aschbacher stating the collaboration unlocks new ways for people to connect with space. The Pokémon Company International’s Mathieu Galante frames the partnership as bringing the wonder of space to fans across Europe. Gaming Age focuses on the Pokémon GO event, detailing how trainers can capture Astronaut Pikachu through specific in-game activities. The Irish Daily Star provides a brief summary, noting the Pikachu’s appearance in the ISS cupola as part of the collaboration.

Why it matters

This collaboration represents a significant effort to make space exploration accessible and engaging for younger audiences by leveraging a globally recognized entertainment brand. It bridges the gap between scientific institutions and popular culture, potentially inspiring a new generation of scientists and space enthusiasts. The exhibition and Pokémon GO event provide tangible, interactive experiences that go beyond traditional educational materials.

What to watch

The exhibition will tour European museums from early October 2026 until April 2027. The Pokémon GO event will run concurrently, with additional event-themed gameplay available during World Space Week. Exclusive merchandise is expected to be available by the start of World Space Week on October 4, 2026, though specific prices and on-sale dates have not yet been released.