Pokémon Go has a new event, and it is smaller than its title suggests. The “World Space Week 2026” event runs from Oct. 4-10, and the whole thing boils down to catching a Pikachu dressed like an astronaut. There is no grand prize, no rare item, no special move. Just a Timed Research quest and a chance to find astronaut Pikachu.
The event is a surprise, according to the report, and it is now live. Here is how to get the suit-wearing Pikachu and what the research actually asks of you.
Catching Astronaut Pikachu
There are two ways to get astronaut Pikachu during this event:
- Defeat astronaut Pikachu in one-star raids and catch it after winning the raid.
- Finish the event Timed Research to get an encounter with astronaut Pikachu.
That is it. The report notes that it is unknown if this special suited-up Pikachu will come back in the future, so players should try to get in as many of these raids as they can. Shiny versions of astronaut Pikachu can appear, so the catch is not without risk.
The Timed Research Quest
The research is simple in structure but demanding in practice. It requires winning five raids in total, and each win delivers a reward.
| Step | Requirement | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Win 1 raid | 2,500 XP |
| 2 | Win 2 raids | 2,500 Stardust |
| 3 | Win 3 raids | 2,500 XP |
| 4 | Win 4 raids | 2,500 Stardust |
| 5 | Win 5 raids | 2,500 XP |
“Win 1 raid (2,500 XP)”
The final step, after all five raids, grants an encounter with astronaut Pikachu, plus 2,500 XP and 2,500 Stardust. The rewards stack across the five steps, so completing the full research nets a substantial amount of experience and dust.
Our View Of The Event
This event is delightfully small and specific. It is not a major shake-up for the game, and it does not require a significant investment of time beyond winning a few raids. The fact that the research is tied to raid wins means players who were already raiding anyway get a second reason to keep going.
The real draw is the Pikachu itself. A Pikachu in an astronaut suit is a charming visual, and the fact that it can be shiny adds a layer of replay value for those chasing perfect catches. The event also offers a modest XP and Stardust payout, which helps offset the cost of raiding.
The downside is that the event does not offer anything new beyond the Pikachu. There are no exclusive items, no special moves, and no other bonuses. For players looking for a major update, this is not it. But for players who enjoy catching Pokémon, the event delivers exactly what it promises.
The event runs from Oct. 4-10, and the astronaut Pikachu will be available through both raid encounters and the completed research. Whether it returns later is unknown, so the window to catch it is limited. The event is a pleasant addition, even if it is not a major one.
See the a run of 17 images at Polygon.
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