The World Space Week 2026 celebration is coming to Pokémon GO. In addition to the in-person partnership with the European Space Agency, Trainers globally can participate in the World Space Week event. World Space Week is a UN-declared and celebrated week held annually in October. It is the largest space event in the world.
The upcoming World Space Week 2026 event is bringing an astronomical twist to your daily gameplay. Whether you are a dedicated collector looking to complete your costumed Pokédex, a shiny hunter hoping for a lucky encounter, or simply a fan of stellar aesthetics (see worldspaceweek.org), this event is packed with exciting features.
Let’s dive deep into all the details, dates, and bonuses you need to know to make the most of World Space Week 2026!
World Space Week 2026 Event Dates and Times
- Event Start: Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. local time.
- Event End: Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time.
The event runs for a full week, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore your local parks, neighborhoods, and community spaces to catch event-exclusive Pokémon.
World Space Week 2026 Major Pokémon Debut
The star attraction of World Space Week 2026 is an adorable brand-new costumed Pokémon making its official debut in Pokémon GO: Astronaut Pikachu!
Pikachu has donned many iconic hats, outfits, and costumes over the years, but this space-faring look is truly out of this world. Geared up in a specialized white astronaut suit complete with a helmet and a sleek mission patch, this variant captures the spirit of cosmic exploration.
Even better for collectors and dedicated hunters, if you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny Astronaut Pikachu! The Shiny variant features a unique color palette swap that makes it an absolute must-have trophy for any serious Pokémon GO collector.
How to Encounter Astronaut Pikachu
During World Space Week 2026, you can encounter this cosmic companion through two primary methods:
- One-Star Raids
- Free Timed Research: By completing a series of event-specific research tasks, you will earn guaranteed encounters with Astronaut Pikachu, alongside other useful rewards.
Please note that while the main event ends on October 10, the Timed Research has its own expiration window. You must complete all associated tasks and claim your rewards before Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time. Any unclaimed rewards or incomplete tasks will vanish after this deadline, so make sure to collect your prizes early!
Tips and Strategies for World Space Week 2026
To ensure you maximize your event experience and walk away victorious, keep these quick tips in mind:
Stock Up on Raid Passes: Since Astronaut Pikachu is featured in One-Star Raids, you can use your daily free Orange Raid Passes or stock up on Remote Raid Passes if you want to farm raids efficiently with friends.
Keep an Eye on the Clock: Don’t let the Timed Research slip your mind! With rewards expiring on October 12, wrap up your tasks over the weekend so you don’t lose out on those special encounters.
Play Safely: As always, the Pokémon GO team reminds all Trainers to be aware of your surroundings, stay safe, and follow guidelines from local health authorities while exploring the great outdoors.
Stay Connected and Get Ready to Launch
World Space Week 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic, focused mini-event that brings a refreshing, thematic look to one of the game’s most beloved mascots. Whether you’re tracking down that elusive Shiny or simply enjoying the cosmic atmosphere with your local community, it’s a great time to be a Pokémon GO player.
Get out there, stay safe, and happy exploring during World Space Week 2026!
For official event announcements and updates, check out the Pokémon GO official website.
