Pikachu went to space — now ESA and Pokémon plan a Europe-wide celebration
Pikachu has already been to space.
French astronaut Sophie Adenot carried a special plush version of the yellow Pokémon to the International Space Station and back in June, to lay the groundwork for a wider promotion, according to Gamespot.
Photos and video show the pair together on Earth and in orbit. ESA features the moment in an image titled “Pikachu in the Cupola”, which states that the Astronaut Pikachu plush travelled to the station to join Adenot, as documented by ESA.
That flight sets up the main event. The European Space Agency is teaming up with The Pokémon Company for World Space Week to highlight space exploration featuring Pikachu.
World Space Week 2026 runs from 4 to 10 October. It kicks off on 4 October with exhibitions planned at ESA facilities during ESA Open Days and at museums during the week itself.
Six countries are on the list: France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Adenot appeared at a ceremony at ESA Headquarters in Paris after her return to mark the project, according to Pokémon.
Merchandise is a large part of the plan. The line-up includes plush toys, accessories for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the collectible card game based on the series, and a replica of Adenot’s own Pikachu wearing astronaut gear and a bomber jacket.
The ESA online shop will stock Pikachu-themed apparel and goods, including T-shirts, a tote bag, a notepad and pins. Pokémon Center, the official Pokémon store, will also sell collaboration products including plush and card-game accessories.
Players get something in-game too. Pokémon GO, the mobile game where players catch Pokémon in real-world locations, will run extras during World Space Week. From 4 October 2026, a costumed Astronaut Pikachu will appear in one-star raids, short cooperative battles suited to small groups, at participating museums, according to Pokémon GO.
What makes this stand out is the order of events. The flight came first. The celebration follows.
For families visiting an exhibition, the link is simple. This toy flew. This astronaut carried it. This is the work she does.
