NASA advances PRIMA far-infrared telescope to next development phase
NASA has moved the PRIMA far-infrared space telescope into Phase B design work, targeting a 2033 launch as the first Probe Explorer mission.
NASA announced that the PRIMA (PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics) telescope has been approved to move into Phase B, the stage focused on preliminary design and technology maturation. As the inaugural Probe Explorer under the long-running Explorers Program, PRIMA will carry a 5.9-foot mirror to conduct deep far-infrared surveys, filling the observational gap between the James Webb and Roman space telescopes and radio arrays.
A confirmation review will assess technical, programmatic and cost performance before the mission can advance to Phase C, with a total project cost limited to $1.2 billion, exclusive of launch expenses. The observatory is slated for a 2033 launch and a five-year operational period, aiming to study planet formation, galaxy evolution, black-hole growth, and the cosmic history of dust and heavy elements.
