Pokémon GO is teaming up with the European Space Agency for a special celebration of space and exploration across Europe. From October 4, 2026, through April 30, 2027, Trainers visiting participating science and space museums can unlock special Pokémon GO gameplay featuring Astronaut Pikachu, raids, research, event-themed encounters and exclusive Location Backgrounds.
Event dates
Special Pokémon GO gameplay at participating museums begins on October 4, 2026, and continues through April 30, 2027.
Additional World Space Week gameplay, including special wild encounters and Field Research, will be available from October 4 through October 10, 2026.
Participating Museums & Coordinates
Special Pokémon GO gameplay will be available at six science and space museums across Europe.
Use the coordinates below to locate each participating venue. You can also explore more places on Pokémon GO Locations.
51.49722,-0.17682
43.58696,1.49316
49.45369,11.07476
39.45580,-0.35155
52.21529,4.42063
50.00831,5.21938
Astronaut Pikachu Raids
Astronaut Pikachu will appear in one-star raids at participating museums.
Trainers who successfully complete eligible in-person raids will have the opportunity to catch Astronaut Pikachu with a special Location Background commemorating the museum they visited.
If you are lucky, you may encounter Shiny Astronaut Pikachu.
Timed Research
Visit a participating museum anytime between October 4, 2026, and April 30, 2027, to unlock special Timed Research.
Complete the research tasks to earn rewards and encounters with event-themed Pokémon.
Some Pokémon encountered through Timed Research may have a special Location Background.
World Space Week Field Research
From October 4 through October 10, 2026, spin PokéStops at participating museums to receive event-themed Field Research tasks.
Complete these tasks for rewards and encounters with event-themed Pokémon.
Some Pokémon encountered through Field Research may also have a special Location Background.
Wild Pokémon Encounters
From October 4 through October 10, 2026, space-themed Pokémon will appear more frequently around participating locations.
Pikachu, Clefairy, Magnemite, Starmie, Lunatone, Solrock and Elgyem may appear as Shiny Pokémon if you are lucky. Blipbug will also appear more frequently during the event period.
Special Location Backgrounds
Astronaut Pikachu caught after completing eligible in-person one-star raids at participating museums can have a special Location Background based on the museum visited.
Some Pokémon encountered through Timed Research and Field Research at participating museums may also have special Location Backgrounds.
Additional ESA Locations
From October 4 through October 10, 2026, the same event gameplay—excluding Location Backgrounds—will also be available at several European Space Agency facilities.
ESA HQ – Paris, France ESA ESRIN – Frascati, near Rome, Italy ESA ESOC – Darmstadt, Germany ESA ESAC – near Madrid, Spain ESA ESTEC – Noordwijk, Netherlands ESA ESEC – near Redu, Belgium ESA ECSAT – Harwell, United Kingdom
Location Backgrounds will not be available at these additional ESA facilities.
FAQ
When does the Pokémon GO x ESA collaboration take place?
Special gameplay at participating museums runs from October 4, 2026, through April 30, 2027. Additional World Space Week spawns and Field Research are available from October 4 through October 10, 2026.
Where can I play the Pokémon GO x ESA event?
The long-term gameplay is available at the Science Museum in London, Cité de l’espace in Toulouse, Deutsches Museum in Nuremberg, Museu de les Ciències in València, Space Expo in Noordwijk and Euro Space Center in Transinne.
How can I get Astronaut Pikachu?
Astronaut Pikachu appears in one-star raids at participating museums. Complete an eligible in-person raid for a chance to catch Astronaut Pikachu, potentially with a special Location Background.
Can Astronaut Pikachu be Shiny?
Yes. Lucky Trainers may encounter Shiny Astronaut Pikachu.
Which Pokémon appear during World Space Week?
Pikachu, Clefairy, Magnemite, Starmie, Lunatone, Solrock, Elgyem and Blipbug will appear more frequently around participating locations from October 4 through October 10, 2026.
Are Location Backgrounds available at every ESA location?
No. The additional ESA facilities participating from October 4 through October 10 offer the event gameplay but do not offer Location Backgrounds.