Pikachu, the iconic Pokémon mascot, has experienced the ultimate career milestone: a trip to outer space. A Pikachu plush toy traveled with European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot to the International Space Station (ISS) earlier this year. The plush completed 1,040 orbits around Earth during Adenot's 67-day mission, which concluded in June.
This celestial journey was part of a collaboration between the ESA and The Pokémon Company International. The initiative aims to promote space exploration and science for the betterment of humanity, while also serving as a platform for The Pokémon Company to highlight its merchandise, including a new line of astronaut Pikachu apparel and merchandise.
To celebrate this intergalactic partnership, the ESA and The Pokémon Company are hosting an exhibition at various ESA facilities and museums across Europe from October 4 to October 10. Additionally, an astronaut Pikachu is set to appear in the mobile game Pokémon GO during this period.
The presence of not one, but two Pikachu plush toys on the mission has drawn attention, given the strict limitations on baggage space for astronauts. While personal items are typically allowed, the decision to include multiple plush toys for photographic opportunities has been noted as a significant commitment of space.
This mission marks a notable moment for Pokémon in space, though it raises questions about whether other Pokémon have made similar voyages. While Snoopy from Peanuts has a history of space travel, and astronauts have previously created dinosaur plush toys in orbit, there is no widespread evidence of other Pokémon venturing into space with astronauts. The article humorously suggests that more unusual Pokémon, such as Alolan Exeggutor or Lickitung, would be fitting candidates for future space missions for scientific curiosity.