Pokémon Cards Reach Space for First Time on ISS
Astronaut Sophie Adenot took a Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare and a Minior card aboard the International Space Station for World Space Week.
Pokémon cards have traveled to the International Space Station for the first time, with a Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare among the items brought aboard by European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot to mark World Space Week.
Photos shared in the posts show a Minior card and the Pikachu ex card floating inside the station with Earth visible through the window behind them. A Pikachu plush also made the trip, according to screenrant.com.
The Pokémon Company confirmed the delivery on X, describing the cards as "out of this world." No other Pokémon cards have previously been brought into space.
Collector interest remains high
The space appearance comes as the Pikachu ex card from the Surging Sparks set continues to draw attention from collectors. TCGPlayer currently lists the Market Price of the Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare at around $283, a drop from the $300+ it regularly sold for at launch, when it was the most valuable card in that set.
Other recent Pokémon TCG developments include a Pikachu card that netted $1 million at a 30th anniversary auction this week, and the announcement last week that 2027 will see the first-ever Pokémon TCG set themed around Valentine's Day in January. New rarities and gimmicks also arrived in 2026.
Quick answers
Which Pokémon cards were taken to the International Space Station?
A Minior card and a Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare were shown floating with Earth in the background, according to photos posted from the station.
Who brought the Pokémon cards to space?
European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot brought the cards aboard the International Space Station for World Space Week.
How much is the Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare worth?
TCGPlayer currently lists the Market Price of the Pikachu ex SIR at around $283.