Pokémon and ESA Team Up for World Space Week 2026

Pokémon and ESA Launch World Space Week 2026 Partnership

The Pokémon Company International and the European Space Agency are joining forces for World Space Week, which begins on October 4. The collaboration is designed to highlight ESA’s space exploration missions while encouraging the next generation of explorers.

The partnership brings Pokémon into a wide-ranging space-themed celebration that includes special appearances, exhibits, merchandise, and digital activations tied to World Space Week 2026.

Sophie Adenot Brings Pikachu to Space

To help introduce the collaboration, French astronaut Sophie Adenot traveled to space with a special Pikachu plush before taking part in a ceremony at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France. According to the announcement, Adenot captured moments with the plush both on Earth and aboard the International Space Station.

Photos and videos from the experience are available on the ESA website, where the partnership is being showcased alongside the broader World Space Week celebration.

For more collecting context, read Caleb Williams cards surge after Week 1 breakout.

ESA Exhibitions Planned Across Europe

Exhibitions at ESA facilities and museums across Europe will be available during World Space Week and beyond. The announcement lists several participating locations, giving fans multiple opportunities to see the collaboration in person.

ESA Facilities

• ESA Headquarters - Paris, France
• ESA ESRIN - Rome, Italy
• ESA ESOC - Darmstadt, Germany
• ESA ESAC - Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
• ESA ESTEC - Noordwijk, the Netherlands
• ESA ECSAT - Harwell, UK

Museums

• Science Museum - London, UK
• Cité de l’espace - Toulouse, France
• Deutsches Museum - Germany
• Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències - Museu de les Ciències - Valencia, Spain
• Space Expo - the Netherlands
• Euro Space Center - Belgium

Pokémon Center Products Include Plush, TCG Accessories, and Apparel

Pokémon Center will carry a lineup of collaboration products tied to the World Space Week partnership. The announcement specifically mentions plush, Pokémon TCG accessories, and additional items inspired by the ESA collaboration.

Among the highlighted products are two Pikachu plush designs that feature ESA astronaut outfits similar to the Pikachu plush Adenot brought to the ISS. The collection also includes a fly bomber jacket and Pokémon TCG accessories with art from the ESA collaboration.

Related coverage includes Pokémon and ESA Team Up for World Space Week 2026 With Astronaut Pikachu, Exhibits and TCG Accessories.

For collectors and fans looking beyond Pokémon Center, the ESA online shop will also offer Pikachu-themed apparel and accessories. The announced items include T-shirts, a tote bag, a notepad, and pins.

Pokémon GO Content Will Be Announced Later

The partnership will extend into Pokémon GO as well, with in-game content planned for World Space Week. The announcement says more details will be shared soon on the official Pokémon GO site.

For now, the collaboration is centered on the ESA partnership, the World Space Week exhibits, and the themed merchandise rolling out through Pokémon Center and ESA’s online shop. More information is expected to appear on Pokemon.com as the celebration continues.