After 67 days and 1,040 orbits on the International Space Station (ISS), Pikachu has returned to Earth and is touring Europe to promote space exploration. During his stay from April 11 to June 17, the plush toy donned a spacesuit while accompanying European Space Agency (ESA) crew members. A popular YouTube video features French astronaut Sophie Adenot guiding Pikachu through the station, showcasing various facilities like the water dispenser and crew quarters.
Adenot, who returned to Earth on October 8 after a record-setting 237-day mission, emphasized the fun of the collaboration with Pikachu, which is part of the ESA-Pokemon partnership celebrating World Space Week (October 4-10). This initiative includes a traveling exhibition that combines space science with Pokemon storytelling.
The campaign also encouraged engagement through the mobile game Pokemon Go, featuring Astronaut Pikachu in raids at several European science museums. Pikachu joins a distinguished group of plush toys that have traveled to space, alongside characters like Snoopy and Grogu.
