world space week 2026

Search interest for world space week 2026 increased in October 2026, driven by a high-profile collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and The Pokémon Company International (Source: Pokémon.com, Space). The partnership features space-themed events, merchandise, and augmented reality activations designed to engage the public and inspire future explorers (Source: Pokémon.com, DOGO News).

The Astronaut Pikachu Campaign

A primary catalyst for public engagement is a special Pikachu plush that spent 67 days in orbit aboard the International Space Station (Source: Space, DOGO News). Launched on April 11 via a Cygnus cargo spacecraft and returned on June 17 via a SpaceX Dragon, the plush completed approximately 1,040 orbits around Earth (Source: DOGO News). Following its return, French astronaut Sophie Adenot appeared with the plush at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France, kicking off World Space Week, which runs from October 4 through October 10, 2026 (Source: Pokémon.com, DOGO News).

In-Game Events and Museum Exhibits

In addition to physical exhibitions touring European museums through April 2027, the mobile game Pokémon GO introduced limited-time in-game content (Source: Space, DOGO News). Running through October 10, 2026, players visiting select science and space museums in Europe can participate in one-star raids and Timed Research tasks to encounter an Astronaut Pikachu variant, with additional research opportunities scheduled through April 30, 2027 (Source: Space). Official Pokémon Center and ESA online shops also released themed apparel, plush items, and Trading Card Game accessories featuring the collaboration art (Source: Pokémon.com).