Video released of Pikachu’s real-world trip to space! [Video]

The Pokémon Pikachu embarked on a real-world trip to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Epsilon mission, according to a video released by the ESA. This marks the first time a Pokémon has taken a role as a zero-gravity indicator, an object used to visually confirm a spacecraft has entered a zero-g environment.

Pikachu became a plushie and was accompanied by French astronaut Sophie Adenot during her journey to the ISS. He was dressed in an ESA uniform, complete with a covering for his tail. The video showcases Pikachu visiting different sections of the ISS, including the Nodes 1 and 2, the recycled drinking water dispenser, and the heavy-duty freezers used for experiment sample preservation.

Adenot, in the video, describes Pikachu as ready for a nap in the crew quarters section of Node 2. Pikachu's trip to the ISS also coincides with the ongoing World Space Week celebrations, and the Pokémon Center Online is offering Pokémon/ESA crossover merchandise, including two different astronaut Pikachu plushies.