Pokémon GO World Space Week 2026

Are you ready to join Pikachu in space?! The Pokémon GO World Space Week event brings the brand-new costumed Pokémon, Astronaut Pikachu, via Raids and free Timed Research in a week-long adventure from Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. to Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time. This exciting global event is a tie-in with European Space Agency and The Pokémon Company collaboration that takes place at select museums in the real world.

Debut of Astronaut Pikachu

Pikachu Astronaut

For the first time in Pokémon GO, you’ll be able to encounter Astronaut Pikachu. Yes, it is dressed in an adorable spacesuit!  You can encounter this one-of-a-kind Pikachu from Raids and through free Timed Research.

Raids

One-Star Raids

One-Star Raids will feature Astronaut Pikachu. If you’re lucky, you can find a Shiny one!

Free Timed Research

Free Timed Research will be available to everyone, and completing it will earn you an encounter with Astronaut Pikachu, along with other rewards. You must complete the Timed Research tasks and claim their rewards by Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time.

Pikachu’s Trip to Space

Astronaut Pikachu has a real space adventure behind it! A Pikachu toy stayed aboard the International Space Station from April 11 to June 17, 2026, spending 67 days in orbit and circling Earth approximately 1,040 times. Its crewmates included seven astronauts, among them ESA’s Sophie Adenot, who travelled to the station on SpaceX’s Crew-12 mission.

The visit was part of ESA’s collaboration with The Pokémon Company International to celebrate World Space Week, October 4–10, 2026. Space.com has more on Pikachu’s spaceflight.

The Wider ESA × Pokémon Collaboration

Pokémon GO is one part of a wider partnership, with a family-friendly exhibition jointly developed by ESA and Pokémon. Character panels connect Pokémon with real science, covering European launches, astronauts aboard the ISS, the Sun, and exploration of the Solar System.

Exhibition Launch Dates

The exhibition debuts at ESA Open Days. These are exhibition dates; Pokémon GO gameplay at ESA sites runs October 4–10, 2026.

Further appearances across Europe run from early October 2026 through April 2027, including the museums above and Lucca Comics & Games in Italy. Lucca is listed as an exhibition venue, but is not among the announced Pokémon GO gameplay locations.

Exclusive Merchandise

ESA × Pokémon clothing, accessories, and collectibles will be sold through ESA and Pokémon retail channels and partner museum shops. More details are in ESA’s official collaboration announcement.