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A Pikachu plushie accompanied French astronaut Sophie Adenot on her first journey into space as part of a collaborative effort between the Pokémon franchise and the European Space Agency (ESA). Adenot, currently aboard the International Space Station for the ESA's Epsilon mission, shared the ride with her plush companion, dressed in ESA uniform.

The announcement aligns with the Pokémon Company's promotion of the ESA's World Space Week events, scheduled from October 4 to 10. Both organizations emphasize their shared values of curiosity, imagination, and a spirit of adventure, aiming to inspire the next generation to dream big and explore. To celebrate, two new Pikachu plushies - one male and one female - along with crossover pins, patches, tote bags, apparel, and Pokémon Trading Card Game accessories will be available at both the Pokémon Center and ESA online stores.