Pokémon Go Astronaut Pikachu Guide: How to Find, Coordinates & Shiny Odds

Part 1. Is Astronaut Pikachu Available in Pokémon Go?

Yes, Astronaut Pikachu in Pokémon Go is officially confirmed, but its global debut will happen during World Space Week in October 2026. Trainers will have more than one way to catch it, including raids and free Timed Research.

What is Astronaut Pikachu in Pokémon Go?

Astronaut Pikachu is a special Pikachu wearing a spacesuit.

It is part of a collaboration between Pokémon Go, The Pokémon Company International, and the European Space Agency (ESA). The event celebrates World Space Week and connects Pokémon with real-world space exploration.

This brings us to the next question: Is Astronaut Pikachu available in Pokémon Go right now? Not yet. It will make its global debut during the upcoming World Space Week event.

Astronaut Pikachu Event Date & Time

The global event runs from October 4, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. to October 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time . During this period, Astronaut Pikachu will appear in one-star raids, while free Timed Research will also reward an encounter.

The Timed Research must be completed and claimed by October 12 at 11:59 p.m. local time.

What Is Astronaut Pikachu with Special Location Background?

There's also a more exclusive version to collect.

From October 4, 2026, through April 30, 2027, trainers can visit six participating science and space museums across Europe and complete in-person Astronaut Pikachu raids. Successful encounters can feature a special Location Background commemorating that museum visit.

Also, do note that these Location Backgrounds are not available at ESA sites.

Part 2. How to Get Astronaut Pikachu in Pokémon Go?

Wondering how to get Astronaut Pikachu in Pokémon Go? During World Space Week 2026, there are two confirmed global methods: 1-Star Raids and free Timed Research. Trainers visiting participating European museums also have extra research opportunities.

1 1-Star Raids

Astronaut Pikachu will appear in one-star raids worldwide from October 4 to October 10, 2026.

Defeat the raid boss to earn a chance to catch it. Since it is only a one-star raid, most Trainers should be able to defeat it without a large raid group. You may also encounter a Shiny Astronaut Pikachu if you are lucky.

At participating European museums, Astronaut Pikachu Pokémon Go raids will remain available until April 30, 2027. In-person raids there can also reward Astronaut Pikachu with a special Location Background.

2 Timed & Field Research Tasks

Free Timed Research will be available globally during World Space Week. Complete its tasks to earn an Astronaut Pikachu encounter and other rewards. You must finish the research and claim the rewards by October 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time.

Event-themed Field Research, meanwhile, is part of the location-based ESA event. Trainers can get event-themed tasks by spinning PokéStops at participating museums from October 4--10. These tasks offer rewards and Pokémon encounters, some with Location Backgrounds.

Part 3. Where to Find and Catch Astronaut Pikachu: Top Locations & Coordinates

During the World Space Week collaboration, there are two groups of Pokémon Go Astronaut Pikachu coordinates : six participating museums and seven ESA establishments.

The museums offer the longer event period and are especially important because eligible in-person raids can reward Astronaut Pikachu with a special Location Background.

Participating Museums & Coordinates to Find Astronaut Pikachu

If you are searching for where to find Astronaut Pikachu, these six museums are the main event locations. Astronaut Pikachu one-star raids and Timed Research will be available here from October 4, 2026, through April 30, 2027.

Other Best Locations & Coordinates to Find Astronaut Pikachu

Can't visit one of those museums? There is another option during World Space Week, October 4--10, 2026. Seven ESA establishments will offer the event gameplay, including Astronaut Pikachu raids and research. However, Location Backgrounds will not be available at these ESA sites.

Part 4. Can Astronaut Pikachu Be Shiny in Pokémon Go?

Yes, Astronaut Pikachu in Pokémon Go can be shiny. Niantic has officially confirmed that Shiny Astronaut Pikachu will be available when the costumed Pokémon makes its debut during World Space Week 2026.

What Does Shiny Astronaut Pikachu Look Like?

Shiny Astronaut Pikachu keeps the same white astronaut suit as the regular version. The main difference comes from Pikachu itself: its yellow body changes to the familiar darker, orange-gold shade used by Shiny Pikachu.

Since much of Pikachu's body is covered by the spacesuit, the Shiny can be harder to notice at first glance. So pay attention to the Shiny sparkle animation and Shiny icon on the encounter screen rather than relying only on its color.

What Are the Shiny Odds for Astronaut Pikachu?

At the moment, the exact Shiny odds for Astronaut Pikachu have not been officially announced. There is also no confirmed information showing that it will receive boosted Shiny rates.

Since Astronaut Pikachu in Pokémon Go does not debut until October 4, there is also no reliable player data yet to confirm its actual Shiny rate. Therefore, any exact odds being shared before the event should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed rate.

Bonus Tip: How to Get Astronaut Pikachu Without Travelling to Europe?

You do not necessarily need to travel to Europe to get Astronaut Pikachu in Pokémon Go. During World Space Week, Astronaut Pikachu will appear globally in one-star raids and free Timed Research.

However, the special Location Background version is tied to in-person raids at six participating European museums.

1. Remote Raid Passes vs. On-Site Raids

For the global event, Trainers will be able to join eligible raids remotely where normal Pokémon Go raid rules allow it.

However, Pokémon Go specifically states that museum raids awarding Astronaut Pikachu with a Location Background are "in-person" raids. So, a remote raid pass should not be treated as a way to obtain that special museum version.

2. Using Location Change Tools to Participate Remotely

Since remote raids are out of the picture now, another option you can use is a reliable GPS location changer such as PoGoskill . With just a click, it instantly teleports your in-game coordinates to literally any location on the world map.

Not only that, but PoGoskill's dedicated "joystick mode" lets you simulate your virtual position naturally that can successfully trick Pokémon Go into thinking that you are actually somewhere else when you are just sitting in the comfort of your home.

On top of this, PoGoskill works across both Android and iOS devices. Built-in security measures, such as the cooldown timer, protect your account from being flagged by Niantic.

Key Features of PoGoskill

• One-Click Teleport : Instantly jump to any location with a single tap.
• Virtual Joystick : Control virtual movement in different directions.
• Route Simulation : Create single-spot or multi-spot walking routes.
• Raid Scan : Scan up to 2000 nearby raids/gyms, and deliver insights such as raid tier or gym boss.

How to Use PoGoskill

Free Download

Secure Download

Free Download

Secure Download

• step 1 Download and install PoGoskill on your Windows PC or Mac. Open the program and click the "Start" button to begin setting up your Pokémon GO location.

  

• step 2 Connect your iPhone or Android device to the computer. You can use either a USB cable or the Wi-Fi connection option for quick setup.

  

• step 3 Choose Game Mode to use PoGoskill with Pokémon GO. This mode helps players join raids and change locations more smoothly during events.

  

• step 4 On the PoGo map, look up the location where you want to spoof your GPS coordinates and hit Teleport. Start moving around your fake location using the on-screen joystick controls.

  

FAQs About Pokémon Go Astronaut Pikachu

What Is the Rarest Pikachu in Pokémon Go?

The rarest Pikachu is generally considered the Okinawan Kariyushi Shirt Pikachu, which is regionally exclusive to Okinawa, Japan. Globally, Shiny Detective Pikachu and Shiny Pikachu Libre are among the rarest.

Can An Astronaut Pikachu Be Shiny?

Yes. Astronaut Pikachu can be Shiny when it debuts during World Space Week 2026.

Can Space Pikachu Be Shiny?

Yes. Space Pikachu, also called Astronaut Pikachu, can be Shiny during eligible encounters in the World Space Week 2026 event.

Conclusion

As seen above, Astronaut Pikachu in Pokémon Go is shaping up to be an exciting addition for collectors and Shiny hunters alike. It will debut globally during World Space Week 2026 through 1-Star Raids and Timed Research, while selected European locations offer additional special location background encounters.

To get Astronaut Pikachu with the special location background from outside Europe, use the PoGoskill location changer tool to spoof your GPS coordinates to locations where these encounters are available.

You Might Be Interested In:

Best Pokémon GO Coordinates: Top Locations for Rare, Raids & Shiny

PoGoskill

The Best GPS Location Spoofer

• 1-Click to change GPS location without jailbreak
• Joystick to simulate GPS movement, customize routes
• Import/Export GPX file to create your own routes
• Works well with all Location-Based Social Apps & AR Games

Try it Free Buy Now

Try it Free Buy Now

Try it Free Buy Now

Available for:

Buy Now

18.6K

Reviews

36.8K

Downloaded Users