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67 days and 1,040 orbits: Pikachu returns from International Space Station

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67 days and 1,040 orbits: Pikachu returns from International Space Station

The European Space Agency (ESA) and The Pokémon Company International (TPCI) have partnered for World Space Week 2026 (4–10 October 2026) to inspire curiosity about space in people of all ages.

And the centerpiece of the campaign is pretty interesting. A tiny plush Pikachu with more hours logged in space than the vast majority of human beings.

During ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot’s recent mission, a Pikachu plush joined crew members aboard the International Space Station. It spent 67 days floating in microgravity from 11 April to 17 June 2026. Sweeping around Earth about 1,040 times, the plush mascot served as a playful ambassador for European science before returning home safely.

Now back on solid ground, that orbital journey is turning into real-world action for fans across Europe.

A co-created family exhibition blending scientific content and Pokémon visual storytelling will tour ESA sites and European museums. Topics cover launches, astronaut support, solar studies, and deep space exploration.

“Inspiring future generations is a key part of ESA’s mission. Through this collaboration with Pokémon, we are unlocking new ways for people across Europe to connect with space through a unique and engaging experience,” said ESA’s Director General Josef Aschbacher.

The flagship initiative is a temporary, family-friendly exhibition co-designed by ESA and Pokémon. It blends real scientific techniques with imaginative storytelling. The touring display uses themed panels to explain how Europe launches missions into orbit, supports astronauts living in microgravity, monitors the Sun, and probes the deeper reaches of our Solar System.

“By taking space exploration beyond traditional settings, we hope to ignite curiosity, spark a sense of wonder about our Universe and encourage people of all ages to discover the opportunities that space offers for the future,” Aschbacher noted.


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