ESA and Pokémon launch Europe-wide space exhibition and astronaut Pikachu experience
The European Space Agency (ESA) and The Pokémon Company International (TPCI) have launched an official collaboration to celebrate World Space Week 2026 from 4 to 10 October.
New family-friendly exhibition
A central element of the collaboration is a new family-friendly exhibition combining real scientific content with Pokémon characters. Visitors will explore European space activities, including how missions are launched, how astronauts are supported aboard the International Space Station, and how Europe studies the Sun, the Solar System and the wider Universe.
The exhibition will launch across ESA sites and museums in Europe and will be presented at venues including Cité de l’espace in Toulouse, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia, the Deutsches Museum in Nuremberg, the Euro Space Center in Belgium, Lucca Comics & Games, the Science Museum in London and Space Expo in Noordwijk. The exhibition will run at different locations from early October 2026 until April 2027.
Pikachu travelled to the International Space Station
As part of the collaboration, a Pikachu plush travelled to the International Space Station during ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot’s mission. It spent 67 days in orbit, from 11 April to 17 June 2026, completing approximately 1,040 orbits.
The partnership will also include exclusive ESA x Pokémon apparel, accessories and collectibles available through ESA and Pokémon retail channels and partner museum shops.
From 4 October 2026 to 30 April 2027, Pokémon GO players visiting participating science and space museums across Europe will be able to access special in-game activities inspired by space, including encounters with Astronaut Pikachu, One-Star Raids, Timed Research and special Pokémon encounters.