Pikachu is Now an Astronaut

Pikachu has truly ventured into space, this time transcending the boundaries of the Pokémon universe. Taken to the International Space Station by European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, the Pikachu plushie spent weeks there, orbiting the Earth hundreds of times. The journey was part of a collaboration between ESA and The Pokémon Company.

Pikachu Goes to the International Space Station

Sophie Adenot took the Pikachu plushie with her on a space mission in April of this year. The plushie spent a total of 67 days on the International Space Station, orbiting the Earth approximately 1,040 times. In June, it returned to Earth with the astronaut.

What’s even more interesting is that there might not be just one Pikachu going to space. The shared images show two different Pikachu plushies, suggesting that Adenot took two different toys with him. However, there’s no clear distinction as to which one was officially used in the collaboration.

This space journey is actually part of a promotional campaign by ESA and The Pokémon Company for World Space Week. Special exhibitions will be held at some ESA facilities and museums in Europe between October 4-10 as part of the event. Astronaut Pikachu-themed merchandise will also be available for sale during the same period.

The collaboration is also extending to the game side. An astronaut-suited Pikachu will be added to Pokémon GO during the event. So Pikachu’s space journey won’t just be a photo shoot. The Pokémon Company has literally taken its most recognizable character beyond Earth by using this real journey both in events and in-game content.

Read More: Kojima is Confident that Physint Will be a Huge Commercial Success