NASA Selects Far-Infrared Telescope as First in New Mission Class

NASA has selected a powerful new far-infrared space telescope called PRIMA to become the first mission in a new class of astrophysics missions known as Probe Explorers. The mission is designed to investigate the history and evolution of the universe and could provide scientists with new clues about planets, galaxies, black holes, dust, and the origins of water.

What Is NASA’s PRIMA Mission?

PRIMA stands for PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics. NASA has moved the mission into Phase B, which focuses on advancing the preliminary design and developing the technologies needed for the observatory.

If PRIMA successfully passes its future confirmation review, NASA plans to target the telescope for launch in 2033, with an initial mission planned to last five years.

A New Class of NASA Space Missions

PRIMA will be the first mission in NASA's new Probe Explorers class, created to provide powerful scientific capabilities while operating at a lower cost than the agency's largest flagship observatories.

The new mission class was recommended by the National Academies' 2020 astronomy and astrophysics decadal survey. NASA selected PRIMA after evaluating its scientific potential, technical feasibility, cost and schedule, and technologies that could help support future large space missions.

Why Far-Infrared Astronomy Matters

PRIMA will observe the universe in far-infrared wavelengths, a part of the electromagnetic spectrum that can reveal information that is difficult to detect using visible light or other infrared observations.

NASA says the telescope will help bridge the gap between infrared observatories such as the James Webb Space Telescope and radio telescopes. Its observations could reveal cosmic processes that remain hidden from other instruments.

What Will PRIMA Study?

The telescope is expected to investigate several major questions in modern astronomy, including:

• How planets form outside our solar system
• How galaxies evolved throughout cosmic history
• How black holes grew alongside galaxies
• How cosmic dust and heavy elements accumulated
• How the materials needed for planets and water developed over time

By studying these processes, scientists hope to better understand why the universe looks the way it does today.

PRIMA Telescope Size and Mission Cost

PRIMA is planned to have a 5.9-foot telescope designed for deep and sensitive far-infrared surveys.

NASA says that if the mission is confirmed for implementation, its project cost will be capped at $1.2 billion, excluding launch and other non-project costs.

International Partnership

The PRIMA mission will involve several international partners, including agencies and organizations from France, Italy, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) will manage the mission, with additional participation from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and Marshall Space Flight Center.

Why This NASA Mission Is Important

PRIMA could open a new window into parts of the universe that remain difficult to study. By combining far-infrared observations with discoveries from other major observatories, astronomers could build a more complete picture of how stars, planets, galaxies and black holes formed and evolved.

NASA describes PRIMA as part of a continuing pipeline of major astrophysics missions intended to expand humanity's view of the cosmos.

What Happens Next?

The next major step is the mission's confirmation review. NASA will evaluate PRIMA's technical progress, program performance and cost before deciding whether it is ready to enter Phase C, the implementation stage.

If approved, PRIMA is currently targeted for launch in 2033 and is planned to operate for five years.

Conclusion

NASA's selection of PRIMA marks an important step for future space astronomy. As the first Probe Explorer mission, the far-infrared telescope could give scientists a new way to study the hidden history of the universe.

From planet formation to galaxy evolution and the growth of black holes, PRIMA could help answer some of astronomy's biggest questions while demonstrating a new model for NASA astrophysics missions.