Pikachu Takes to Space as an Astronaut!
Pikachu truly seems capable of anything, much like a certain iconic doll. He’s donned many hats over the years—detective, rock star, pro wrestler, pilot, entrepreneur, scientist—the list is endless. Most recently, Pikachu has taken on the role of astronaut, making a trip to the International Space Station (ISS) earlier this year.
That’s right! This Pikachu plush accompanied astronaut Sophie Adenot from the European Space Agency in April, orbiting Earth a staggering 1,040 times over 67 days before returning in June. Way to go, Pikachu!
Interestingly, it appears that two Pikachus made the journey with Adenot, as the one featured in this video is a different plush.
The plush’s journey into space is part of a collaboration between the ESA and The Pokémon Company for World Space Week. The ESA aims to highlight its mission of advancing science in space for humanity’s benefit, while The Pokémon Company is looking to boost sales of plush toys. To celebrate, there’s an exhibition at various ESA facilities and museums across Europe from October 4 to 10, and The Pokémon Company is launching a cute line of merchandise featuring astronaut Pikachu. Plus, an astronaut Pikachu will be making an appearance in Pokémon GO during this time.
Sure, it’s a marketing move, but I can’t help but be captivated by the idea of Pikachu in space. While astronauts typically bring personal items to the ISS, I can’t help but think that packing not one, but two Pikachus for some adorable photo ops seems a bit extravagant. This raises a question: is Pikachu the first Pokémon to venture into space? Have any other astronauts taken different Pokémon plushes with them? Snoopy from Peanuts has made the trip, and there was even a dinosaur plush created in space, but I haven’t seen any evidence of other Pokémon making the journey.
We need to send some truly bizarre Pokémon up there. How about Alolan Exeggutor, Lickitung, or Eiscue? Something that seems completely out of place in space. For science, of course!
