Pikachu Visits Space Station in ESA Partnership

When French astronaut Sophie Adenot blasted off to the International Space Station, she brought along an unexpected crewmate: a special Pikachu plush dressed in an ESA spacesuit.

The adorable partnership between Pokémon and the European Space Agency launches this World Space Week on October 4, 2026. The collaboration aims to spark curiosity about space exploration in kids who grew up catching Pokémon.

Adenot captured photos and videos of Pikachu floating in zero gravity aboard the ISS before returning to Earth for a special ceremony at ESA headquarters in Paris. The images show the beloved yellow character experiencing real space travel, not just pretend adventures.

Starting this week, exhibitions featuring the partnership will appear at ESA facilities across six European countries, from Paris to London to Rome. Museums like the Science Museum in London and Cité de l'espace in Toulouse will host displays during World Space Week and beyond.

Fans can bring the collaboration home too. PokemonCenter.com is launching astronaut Pikachu plush toys wearing the same ESA spacesuits that traveled to orbit. A bomber jacket and Pokémon trading card accessories featuring ESA collaboration artwork will also be available.

The ESA online shop is selling its own Pikachu merchandise, including t-shirts, tote bags, notepads and pins. Even Pokémon GO players will find special in-game surprises during World Space Week, with details coming soon.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership shows how beloved characters can open doors to real science. Kids who might never have visited a space agency website could now explore ESA missions because Pikachu led them there.

The collaboration connects two worlds that share a common goal: inspiring wonder and exploration. Whether catching creatures in a video game or studying galaxies through a telescope, both encourage young minds to stay curious about what's out there.

By meeting children where they already are, playing with Pokémon, ESA plants seeds for future scientists, engineers and astronauts. Sometimes the path to the stars starts with a familiar yellow face floating past a spacecraft window.