ESA and The Pokémon Company International reveal Europe-wide exhibition and astronaut Pikachu experience
The European Space Agency and The Pokémon Company International announced an official collaboration to celebrate World Space Week 2026, running 4–10 October 2026. As a special element, a Pikachu plush travelled to the International Space Station during ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot's mission, spending 67 days in orbit from 11 April to 17 June 2026 and completing approximately 1040 orbits.
The cornerstone of the collaboration is a new family-friendly exhibition co-created by ESA and Pokémon, blending real scientific content with imaginative visual storytelling. Through themed panels, visitors will explore how Europe launches missions, supports astronauts aboard the International Space Station, studies the Sun, and explores the Solar System and the wider Universe; selected panels incorporate Pokémon characters. The programme also includes exclusive merchandise and a special Pokémon GO event, designed to inspire curiosity about space exploration among audiences of all ages.
ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said inspiring future generations is a key part of ESA's mission, and that the collaboration unlocks new ways for people across Europe to connect with space through a unique and engaging experience, taking space exploration beyond traditional settings to ignite curiosity and wonder. Mathieu Galante, senior director of licensing at The Pokémon Company International, said every Pokémon journey begins with a sense of wonder about what lies beyond the known world, and that collaborating with ESA opens a new frontier for fans by bringing the world of Pokémon and the wonder of space together at locations across Europe.
The exhibition will debut during ESA Open Days 2026 across ESA establishments: ESA Headquarters, Paris, France, 19–20 September 2026; ESRIN, Rome, Italy, 25 September 2026; ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands, 26–27 September 2026; ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany, 2 October 2026; ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain, 3 October 2026; and ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom, 10 October 2026. Following its launch, the exhibition will also be present at different venues and events across Europe.