NASA Picks Infrared Telescope for New Mission Class
NASA has advanced the PRIMA far-infrared space telescope to Phase B development, marking the start of a new class of 'Probe Explorer' missions. The telescope is designed to study the evolution of the universe, including star formation and black holes, with a planned 2033 launch.
Why it matters
This mission fills a critical observational gap in infrared astronomy, potentially answering fundamental questions about cosmic history.
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 humanity's next window into the deep universe. It will unveil the obscure across cosmic time to better understand the formation of planets, stars, black holes, and even how water on Earth came to be," said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington.
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