Pikachu Plush Toy Returns to Earth After 67 Days in Orbit

Published 2w ago · Latest report 1w ago · Partnership

Covered in 2 countries

AI summary34s readPositive

A Pikachu plush doll completed 1,040 orbits on the International Space Station before returning to Earth.

A plush Pikachu doll has concluded a 67-day mission on the International Space Station before returning to Earth. The mascot completed 1,040 orbits around the planet during its flight. The voyage was organised through an outreach collaboration between the European Space Agency and the Pokémon franchise.

Predecessors in orbitThe character follows other pop culture mascots into space, including Snoopy and Grogu, which previously served as zero-gravity indicators.
Mission outreachThe European Space Agency released footage documenting the stuffed mascot touring orbital laboratory modules before its descent.

Why it matters

Space agencies frequently fly familiar toys and cultural mascots to serve as zero-gravity indicators during rocket launches and to foster public engagement with orbital science.

Timeline2

Oct 7The European Space Agency shares video showing Pikachu floating through the International Space Station.
Oct 10The mascot logs completion of 67 days in space and returns to Earth.

By the numbers2

67 daysdays spent in space

1,040Earth orbits completed

How outlets cover it

What outlets agree on

The plush mascot spent 67 days in orbit aboard the International Space Station as part of a promotional partnership between the European Space Agency and the Pokémon brand.

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