Pokemon Teams With European Space Agency for World Space Week Celebration

World Space Week begins October 4, and the European Space Agency is partnering with The Pokemon Company to celebrate space exploration through a special collaboration. The partnership was set in motion when French astronaut Sophie Adenot carried a custom Pikachu plush to space and back in June, documenting the journey on camera.

The promotion will feature exhibitions at ESA facilities during ESA Open Days and at museums across France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom during World Space Week. The initiative aims to educate and entertain the next generation of explorers while celebrating the franchise's broader appeal.

Exclusive merchandise will be available through the ESA online shop and at physical locations. Items include plushies, Pokemon Trading Card Game accessories, ESA apparel featuring Pikachu designs, T-shirts, tote bags, notepads, and pins. A replica of Adenot's Pikachu features astronaut gear and a bomber jacket.

The collaboration arrives as Pokemon merchandise remains a hot commodity for resellers. Past limited releases have attracted scalpers, including a notable incident at a Van Gogh Museum exhibit in Amsterdam over a limited-edition Pikachu card that led to staff misconduct allegations. Even food collaborations have drawn reseller attention, with Pokemon Krispy Kreme boxes appearing on secondhand markets.

In related news, Japanese airline All Nippon Airways recently unveiled a Pokemon-themed aircraft celebrating 30 years of the franchise, featuring custom illustrations of Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and Sprigatito.