Niantic has unveiled a surprise new event in Pokémon Go titled “World Space Week 2026,” running from Oct. 4-10, that centers on the rare opportunity to encounter and catch an astronaut-suited Pikachu.
The limited-time promotion arrives without the usual fanfare of expanded bonuses or boosted spawn rates, instead offering a focused Timed Research set alongside chances to find the space-themed Pokémon in one-star raids. The event coincides with World Space Week, an annual United Nations observance celebrating international cooperation in space exploration.
Finding Astronaut Pikachu
Trainers have exactly two methods to obtain this special suited-up version of the electric-type Pokémon during the October 4-10 window. The first involves defeating astronaut Pikachu in one-star raids and then catching it after emerging victorious from the battle.
The second route requires completing the event’s Timed Research, which walks players through a series of raid-focused tasks. Because there is no guarantee this costumed variant will return in future events, collectors are encouraged to participate in as many qualifying raids as possible while the opportunity remains available.
Astronaut Pikachu can also appear in its shiny form, making it a worthwhile target for dedicated players looking to complete their Pokédex during this short-lived event window.
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The shiny possibility adds extra incentive to the endeavor, as trainers who successfully catch a shiny astronaut Pikachu will have secured one of the more visually distinctive collectibles currently available in the game. Given the unpredictable nature of shiny encounter rates, persistence in raid battles may prove essential.
World Space Week 2026 Timed Research
The accompanying Timed Research offers a straightforward progression system built entirely around raid participation. Players must complete five sequential tasks to unlock all available rewards, with each milestone providing either experience points or Stardust as compensation for their efforts.
The task breakdown requires trainers to win one raid for 2,500 XP, followed by winning two raids for 2,500 Stardust. The sequence continues with three raids earning 2,500 XP, four raids granting 2,500 Stardust, and finally five raids yielding an additional 2,500 XP.
Completing all tasks rewards players with the astronaut Pikachu encounter itself, along with 2,500 XP and 2,500 Stardust to spend on in-game items and upgrades.
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This raid-centric design makes the research particularly appealing to players who already maintain regular raid habits, as the tasks integrate naturally into existing gameplay patterns rather than demanding unusual detours or resource expenditure.
Looking Ahead
The World Space Week 2026 event will conclude on Oct. 10, after which astronaut Pikachu and its associated Timed Research tasks will presumably become unavailable until Niantic revives the promotion in a future year. Trainers interested in securing this space-themed variant should prioritize raid participation during the seven-day window to maximize their chances.
With no additional bonuses attached beyond the Timed Research and raid encounters, players can approach the event at their own pace without feeling pressured to complete extensive side content. The focused scope ensures that even casual participants can earn a shot at catching astronaut Pikachu before the October 10 deadline passes.
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