Astronaut Pikachu Lands in European Museums for Limited World Space Week Event

After logging 67 days in orbit, a specialized version of the iconic Pokémon has returned to Earth to headline a collaboration between The Pokémon Company and the European Space Agency. This unique Astronaut Pikachu is currently appearing at specific space and science museums across Europe as part of a series of one-star raids and Timed Research tasks within the Pokémon GO mobile game. The collaboration aims to inspire the next generation of space explorers through these interactive, augmented reality experiences. Fans should note that all rewards linked to these museum events must be claimed by 11:59 p.m. local time on Monday, October 12, 2026. While the current focus is on these museum-specific encounters, the developers have confirmed that additional events and research opportunities will continue to roll out through April 30, 2027. Lucky trainers may even encounter rare Shiny variants of the spacefaring Pikachu during these sessions. Beyond the mobile game, the partnership extends to physical merchandise available on the Pokémon Center website. Fans can purchase astronaut-themed apparel, including bomber jackets and hoodies, as well as decorative figures and plush versions modeled after the actual astronaut Pikachu that accompanied French astronaut Sophie Adenot to the International Space Station. These items, along with collaborative pins and card game accessories, serve as a permanent tribute to the ongoing partnership. For those planning to participate in the real-world museum events, the activities are available exclusively at participating locations across Europe. Players are encouraged to check their local museum listings to see if they are hosting the event, which provides a unique way to combine a love for the cosmos with augmented reality gameplay.