{
  "id": 9415427,
  "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",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-23T20:09:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "NASA Science",
    "slug": "nasa-science",
    "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 a far-infrared space telescope, known as PRIMA (Probe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics), to lead a new class of exploration missions within the agency's Explorers Program. PRIMA will be the first in a series of space telescopes designed to investigate the history and evolution of the universe in unprecedented detail. Led by NASA's Science Mission Directorate, the mission's primary goal is to provide a deeper understanding of the formation of planets, stars, black holes, and the origins of water on Earth. The 5.9-foot telescope will conduct deep, sensitive surveys of the universe in far-infrared light, bridging the gap between existing infrared observatories and radio telescopes. Targeted for launch in 2033, PRIMA's mission will last for five years, with a budget cap of $1.2 billion, excluding launch and other non-project costs. The mission's development is managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, with contributions from several international partners, including CNES, ASI, DLR, CSA, KASI, JAXA, and the UK Space Agency.",
  "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 […] The post NASA Selects…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "NASA",
        "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",
        "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."
}