Scientias · Science

ESA and Pokémon collaborate for World Space Week

The European Space Agency (ESA) and The Pokémon Company International are joining forces in celebration of World Space Week. A Pikachu plush, which spent 67 days in space, is now the centerpiece of an exhibition and digital activations.

A Pikachu plush accompanied ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot aboard the ISS from April to June 2026, completing approximately 1.040 orbits around Earth. This collaboration, driven by shared curiosity, aims to engage a broad audience in space exploration through creative storytelling and playful elements.

The exhibition, which combines scientific content with the Pokémon universe, will travel across Europe after its opening in Paris to locations such as Rome, Noordwijk, Darmstadt, Villanueva de la Cañada, and Harwell. From October 2026, the exhibition will also be on display in various museums and festivals in France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

In addition to the physical exhibition, exclusive merchandise will be released. Furthermore, Pokémon GO players can find an astronaut Pikachu in participating science and space museums from October 2026 to April 2027, with special in-game events.

The space-traveling Pikachu serves as a symbol for the bridge between science and popular culture, making space exploration more accessible to a younger audience. The ESA hopes to reach young people and families with a message that is both scientific and playful.

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