Astronaut Pikachu Goes to Space
European Space Agency and Pokémon Partner to Launch Space Exploration Exhibition Across Europe
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Key Points
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ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said the partnership is intended to take space exploration “beyond traditional settings” and help people discover future opportunities in space.
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The exhibition will explain how Europe launches missions, supports astronauts on the International Space Station, studies the Sun, and explores the Solar System and the wider Universe.
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The exhibition is scheduled to debut during ESA Open Days 2026 at ESA Headquarters in Paris, ESRIN in Rome and ESTEC in Noordwijk before traveling to venues including London’s Science Museum and Nuremberg’s Deutsches Museum.
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The Pokémon GO activation is planned to run from Oct. 4, 2026, through April 30, 2027, with participating science and space museums offering themed gameplay involving space mysteries and Astronaut Pikachu.
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ESA-Pokémon apparel, accessories and collectibles will be sold through ESA and Pokémon retail channels, including partner museum shops.
The European Space Agency and The Pokémon Company International are joining forces for World Space Week 2026, launching a continent-wide exhibition designed to spark interest in space exploration through pop culture. A Pikachu plush spent 67 days aboard the International Space Station during ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot's mission, orbiting Earth roughly 1,040 times before returning home CollectSpace.
The partnership will feature family-friendly exhibitions at ESA facilities and museums across Europe, along with exclusive merchandise and a Pokémon GO event running through April 2027. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said the collaboration takes space exploration "beyond traditional settings" to help audiences discover future opportunities in the space industry Dexerto.
Exhibition Debuts Across European Space Centers
The exhibition will open during ESA Open Days 2026 at three main locations: ESA Headquarters in Paris, ESRIN in Rome, and ESTEC in Noordwijk CollectSpace. After the initial launch, the show will travel to major science museums including London's Science Museum and Nuremberg's Deutsches Museum.
Visitors will learn how Europe launches space missions, supports astronauts on the ISS, studies the Sun, and explores the Solar System and Universe. The exhibition combines factual information about European space activities with Pokémon-themed visuals and interactive content designed for all ages.
Pokémon GO Event Brings Space Mysteries to Players
A special Pokémon GO activation will run from October 4, 2026, through April 30, 2027, offering themed gameplay centered on space exploration Pokémon GO. Participating science and space museums will host the event, featuring space mysteries and an exclusive Astronaut Pikachu encounter for players.
The in-game event connects digital gameplay with real-world museum visits, encouraging players to engage with space science content while catching Pokémon. This hybrid approach reaches younger audiences who might not otherwise visit science institutions.
New ESA-Pokémon Merchandise and Collectibles Launch
ESA and Pokémon will release exclusive apparel, accessories, and collectibles through retail channels including partner museum shops CollectSpace. The merchandise celebrates the partnership and provides fans with tangible connections to both space exploration and the beloved Pokémon franchise.
Sales will happen both online and at physical locations, making products accessible to collectors and space enthusiasts across Europe. This retail strategy extends the partnership's reach beyond exhibitions and digital events.
Bridging Pop Culture and Scientific Discovery
The collaboration demonstrates how mainstream entertainment properties can drive interest in science and technology careers. By pairing Pokémon's global appeal with ESA's mission to inspire space exploration, the partnership reaches diverse audiences including children and families RealHacker.
ESA leadership views the initiative as expanding how space agencies communicate complex topics to the public. Using storytelling and familiar characters makes space science more accessible and engaging than traditional educational methods alone.
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