NASA's First Selection for a New Class of Mission: The PRIMA Far-Infrared Telescope
NASA announced Wednesday a mission to explore the history and evolution of the universe, PRIMA (PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics), is advancing to the next phase of development. This space telescope is the first in a new class of NASA astrophysics missions, called Probe Explorers, within the agency’s longstanding Explorers Program.
NASA has selected PRIMA, the Probe Explorers mission for Astrophysics, as the first project in a new class of missions aimed at studying the history and evolution of the Universe. This selection comes from a detailed evaluation of concept studies, aligning with the goals set by the NASEM 2020 Decadal Survey, Astro2020. PRIMA will operate within NASA's Explorers Program and features a 1.8-meter telescope to conduct deep, sensitive surveys in the far-infrared wavelength range.
By addressing key mysteries such as planet formation, galaxy and supermassive black hole evolution, and dust and heavy element accumulation, PRIMA aims to improve our understanding of the Universe's current state. The mission is set to move into Phase B development, with a target launch date of 2033, and will be managed in partnership between NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Goddard Space Flight Center, and Marshall Space Flight Center.
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