Happy World Space Week!
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Pokémon Company International are celebrating a special plush toy’s journey. Earlier this year, a Pikachu plush accompanied ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot to the International Space Station (ISS). This charming little mascot orbited Earth for 67 days (from April 11 to June 17), completing around 1,040 orbits.
Pikachu in Space
The ISS circles the Earth approximately every 90 minutes, which means the crew (including Pikachu!) experiences 16 sunrises and sunsets each day. During the mission, Adenot captured numerous photos and videos of Pikachu, both on Earth and inside the ISS.
Pikachu floats aboard the International Space Station. Image: © ESA/NASA – S. Adenot.
Adenot has spent over 200 days in space as part of her εpsilon mission, where she conducted scientific research and completed three spacewalks to help maintain the orbiting laboratory. Pikachu was there for some of this adventure!
ESA’s Director General Josef Aschbacher stated, “Inspiring future generations is a key part of ESA’s mission. Through this collaboration with Pokémon, we are unlocking new ways for people across Europe to connect with space through a unique and engaging experience.”
ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot with Astronaut Pikachu plush at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. Image: © ESA – A. Conigli – D. Dos Santos
Celebrations and Exhibitions
In addition to this collaboration, several exhibitions across ESA facilities and various museums in Europe will be open during World Space Week. Pokémon Center also launched a new line of ESA products, including a Pikachu plush dressed in astronaut outfits similar to the one that journeyed to the ISS.
During this week, Pokémon GO is offering exciting in-game content as well.
About World Space Week
World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology, recognizing their contributions to society. The United Nations General Assembly designated this event to be celebrated annually from October 4-10, commemorating:
- October 4, 1957: The launch of Sputnik 1, the first human-made Earth satellite, marking the beginning of the space race.
- October 10, 1967: The signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, laying the foundations for international space activity regulation.
Join in the celebration of our quest for knowledge and the wonders of space exploration!
