{
  "id": 9408337,
  "title": "NASA Selects Far-Infrared Telescope as First in New Mission Class",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/nasa-selects-far-infrared-telescope-as-first-in-new-mission-class",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-23T20:09:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "NASA",
    "slug": "nasa",
    "url": "https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-selects-far-infrared-telescope-as-first-in-new-mission-class/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NASA has selected the PRIMA mission, a far-infrared telescope, as the first in a new class of astrophysics missions called Probe Explorers. PRIMA, which stands for Probe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics, will explore the history and evolution of the universe by conducting deep, sensitive surveys in far-infrared light. This will help address questions about planet formation, galaxy evolution, and the buildup of dust and heavy elements in the universe. The mission, targeted for launch in 2033, will have a 5.9-foot telescope and a project cost capped at $1.2 billion, excluding launch and other non-project costs. PRIMA will be managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, with contributions from international partners including CNES, ASI, DLR, CSA, KASI, JAXA, and the UK Space Agency. The mission's selection was based on its scientific merit, feasibility of development plans, and use of technologies that could support future large missions.",
  "summary": "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. “The PRIMA mission is […]",
  "key_points": [
    "NASA selects PRIMA, far-infrared telescope, as first Probe Explorers mission",
    "PRIMA will explore universe's history via deep, sensitive far-infrared surveys",
    "Mission to launch in 2033 with $1.2 billion budget"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "NASA Science",
        "title": "NASA Selects Far-Infrared Telescope as First in New Mission Class",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/nasa-selects-far-infrared-telescope-as-first-in-new-mission-class-9415427",
        "published": "2026-09-23T20:09:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}