The European Space Agency (ESA) and The Pokémon Company International have announced an official collaboration to celebrate World Space Week 2026, taking place from October 4 to 10, 2026.
As part of this partnership, a Pikachu plush traveled aboard the International Space Station during the mission of ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, spending 67 days in orbit from April 11 to June 17, 2026, completing approximately 1,040 orbits around Earth.
This collaboration will result in a temporary exhibition focused on space and Pokémon, presented at several ESA sites and major museums across Europe. Co-created by ESA and Pokémon, the exhibition combines real scientific content with imaginative visual storytelling, integrating Pokémon characters to make scientific topics more accessible and engaging.
Visitors will explore European space activities, including mission launches, astronaut support aboard the International Space Station, solar studies, and exploration of the Solar System and the Universe.
The exhibition will launch during ESA Open Days 2026 at multiple European locations: ESA Headquarters in Paris on September 19 and 20, ESTEC in the Netherlands on September 26 and 27, ESOC in Germany on October 2, ESAC in Spain on October 3, and ECSAT in the United Kingdom on October 10.
Following its launch, the exhibition will also be showcased at various venues and events throughout Europe, accompanied by exclusive merchandise and a special Pokémon GO event, aiming to spark curiosity and interest in space exploration among all age groups.
Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General, emphasizes that this collaboration opens new avenues to connect the European public with space through a unique and engaging experience, while Mathieu Galante, Senior Licensing Director at The Pokémon Company International, notes that the spirit of discovery is central to the Pokémon universe and finds a new resonance in this space adventure.
