The far-infrared observatory would study the formation of planets, galaxies, black holes, cosmic dust and water.
NASA has selected the PRIMA space telescope to proceed into preliminary design and technology development, advancing a proposed mission that could open a new view of the far-infrared universe.
PRIMA—short for PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics—is designed around a 5.9-foot telescope. Its instruments would examine wavelengths between those observed by infrared telescopes such as the James Webb Space Telescope and radio observatories.
Scientists plan to use PRIMA to study how planets form, how galaxies and black holes grow and how dust and heavy elements accumulated throughout the universe. The mission would also investigate the distribution and origins of water in planetary systems.
NASA has set a cost cap of $1.2 billion for the project, excluding launch expenses and certain other costs outside the mission’s direct budget. If PRIMA passes a future confirmation review and moves into full implementation, NASA is targeting a 2033 launch followed by a five-year primary mission.
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory will manage the project, with participation from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Marshall Space Flight Center and international partners.
Selection for this development phase does not constitute final authorization to build and launch the observatory. PRIMA must complete further design work and successfully pass NASA’s confirmation process before entering its implementation phase.
Related: Orange Coast College Looks Ahead to NASA’s Next Great Space Telescope.
