The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →A Pikachu plush spent 67 days aboard the International Space Station, from April 11 to June 17, 2026. The European Space Agency says it made approximately 1,040 orbits while traveling with ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot. It was a toy, not a living character or a scientific instrument.
What went to space—and when?
The item was a Pikachu plush that accompanied ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot to the International Space Station. ESA reported that the plush was in orbit from April 11 through June 17, 2026, a 67-day stay, and completed approximately 1,040 orbits. ESA’s announcement gives those campaign figures; they describe the plush’s trip, not the results of a scientific study.
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Space.com’s contemporary coverage also identifies Adenot as the astronaut who traveled with the plush. The flight formed part of a collaboration between ESA and The Pokémon Company International for World Space Week 2026.
How the spaceflight connects to the Pokémon campaign
The plush’s journey was one part of a broader public-outreach program. ESA and The Pokémon Company International announced a temporary exhibition at ESA facilities and museums in Europe, Pokémon GO gameplay at participating museums, and exclusive merchandise. These are separate parts of the campaign: the museum display, game activity, and products are not the same object that traveled to orbit.
#1 Best Overall
- POKÉMON PLUSH: Choose to cuddle Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon
- SPECIAL MATERIAL: Snuggly 8-inch Pokémon plush is made with super soft material
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Pikachu looks like it jumped out of the Pokémon Animated Series
- TEAM BUILDING: Collect other 8-inch Pokémon plush and build your own unique team
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
Pokémon GO at participating museums
The announced game activation runs from October 4, 2026, through April 30, 2027. It is location-dependent, so availability is limited to participating museums rather than being a universal in-game event. ESA’s campaign announcement is the source for the dates and participation details.
Exhibitions and merchandise
The program also includes a temporary exhibition at ESA facilities and museums in Europe, along with merchandise. Space.com reports collaboration apparel, accessories, and collectibles through ESA and Pokémon retail channels, including partner museum shops. That does not establish that any retail plush is the specific one that flew aboard the ISS.
Rank #2
- POKÉMON PLUSH: Choose to cuddle Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon.
- SPECIAL MATERIAL: Snuggly 12-inch Pokémon plush is made with super soft material.
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Pikachu looks like it jumped out of the Pokémon Animated Series.
- TEAM BUILDING: Collect other 12-inch Pokémon plush and build your own unique team.
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares.
Why ESA and Pokémon teamed up
ESA presented the collaboration as a way to make space exploration more accessible to the public. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said the partnership aims to connect people across Europe with space through an engaging experience and to encourage curiosity about the universe and opportunities in the space sector.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- CAPTAIN PIKACHU: Get ready to set sail with Captain Pikachu
- SPECIAL HAT: 8-inch Pokémon plush is super soft and wears a special captain’s hat
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Plush looks like it jumped right out of the Pokémon Animated Series
- TEAM BUILDING: Collect other 8-inch Pokémon plush and build your own unique team
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
Rank #3
- ICONIC POKÉMON: Get cozy with Pokémon and the new Velvet Pikachu Plush
- UNIQUE DESIGN: Unique 8-inch plush is woven with high quality velvet
- SELECT SERIES: Velvet Plush is a part of the Select Pokémon plush series
- LIMITED RELEASE: This limited line is only available for a short time in 2023
- OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares
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