Pikachu has worn plenty of costumes over the years, but this one is truly out of this world. Astronaut Pikachu has landed in Pokémon GO, and the main event window closes tomorrow, October 10, so trainers need to move fast.
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Why This Pikachu Is Special
This isn’t just another costume. The design is tied to a real Pikachu plush that spent 67 days on the International Space Station, from April 11 to June 17, 2026, as part of ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot’s mission. The Pokémon Company and the European Space Agency (ESA) then teamed up for World Space Week, running October 4 to 10, and brought that story into the game.
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Quick Guide at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | World Space Week 2026 |
| Main dates | October 4 to 10, 2026 |
| Research claim deadline | Midnight, October 12 |
| Easiest method | Free Timed Research with a guaranteed encounter |
| Other method | One-star raids |
| Shiny available? | Yes, from debut |
| In-person museum raids | October 4, 2026 to April 30, 2027 |
Two Easy Ways to Get It
1. Free Timed Research. This is the cheapest and safest route. Complete the World Space Week Timed Research and you’ll earn a guaranteed Astronaut Pikachu encounter. No event ticket is needed. One third-party guide says it takes five raid wins, so check the in-game task list for the exact steps. You also get a two-day grace period after the event ends to claim your reward, until midnight on October 12.
2. One-star raids. Astronaut Pikachu appears as a raid boss during the event, and one-star raids are easy to win, usually solo. Beat the boss and you get a catch encounter. This route is also your best bet for hunting a Shiny, since you can repeat it as many times as you like.
The Shiny Question
Yes, a Shiny Astronaut Pikachu exists, and it can appear from both raids and the research encounter. Pokémon GO hasn’t published an official Shiny rate, so the only strategy is more encounters. If you want one copy only, do the research. If you want the Shiny, add as many raids as is comfortable.
Visiting a Museum? Even Better
The ESA collaboration brings special gameplay to six science and space museums across Europe, with in-person one-star raids running until April 30, 2027. Catching Astronaut Pikachu there gives it a special Location Background. Seven ESA sites also offer the same gameplay from October 4 to 10, minus the backgrounds. Since we’re in India, most of us will need to stick to the global event.
Looking for more tips? Browse the latest game events and guides on Technosports before the next event drops.
FAQs
Q1. When does the Astronaut Pikachu event end?
The main event ends October 10, 2026, but you can claim research rewards until midnight on October 12.
Q2. Can Astronaut Pikachu be Shiny?
Yes, Shiny Astronaut Pikachu is available from raids and the Timed Research encounter.
