NASA advances PRIMA far-infrared telescope to phase B
NASA has advanced the PRIMA (Probe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics) to Phase B, moving preliminary design and technology development forward for a 5.9-foot far-infrared space telescope targeted to launch in 2033 for a planned five-year mission. Selected as the first Probe Explorer under recommendations from the 2020 Decadal Survey, PRIMA aims to bridge wavelengths between instruments like Webb and radio telescopes to study exoplanet origins, galaxy and black hole evolution, and dust and heavy element build-up. JPL will manage the mission with multiple NASA centers and international agency partners, and a confirmation review will determine entry to Phase C; project costs are capped at $1.2 billion excluding launch.
PRIMA moved to Phase B with a targeted 2033 launch.
Context
The 2020 decadal survey recommended a new probe explorer class. NASA picked PRIMA after evaluating probe concepts. The mission now faces a confirmation review before Phase C and possible implementation.
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