An adorable Pikachu plushie was recorded floating around the International Space Station (ISS). The clips shared by the European Space Agency (ESA) delighted space enthusiasts and Pokémon lovers alike. However, beyond creating a viral moment on social media, the yellow Pokémon with a lightning-bolt-shaped tail was carrying on a long-standing spaceflight tradition. For years, astronauts, including the first Indian on ISS, Shubhanshu Shukla, have packed plush toys as essential flight companions. They are, however, not simple souvenirs that the space crew carry; instead, these soft figures play a very important role.
The floating plush toys may look like fun companions for the crew, but they actually serve as zero-gravity indicators during space missions. The toy was aboard ISS during ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot’s mission. Through this collaboration with Pokémon, we are unlocking new ways for people across Europe to connect with space through a unique and engaging experience.”
- ESA sent Pikachu to space: The plushie flew to the space station as a part of a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Pokémon Company International (TPCI) to celebrate World Space Week 2026 from 4–10 October 2026. It spent 67 days in orbit, from April 11 to June 17, 2026, according to the space agency.
NASA says, “Zero gravity indicators are small, plush items carried aboard spacecraft to provide a visual indication of when the spacecraft and its crew reach space. Explaining the reason behind this particular choice, ESA’s Director General Josef Aschbacher said, “Inspiring future generations is a key part of ESA’s mission.
