NASA teases new PRIMA telescope that could peer even deeper into the infrared universe than the James Webb Space Telescope
NASA is advancing the development of the PRIMA space telescope, a mission designed to observe the far-infrared universe. Scheduled for a potential 2033 launch, the telescope aims to study the formation of planets, galaxies, and black holes.
Why it matters
This mission represents the next generation of space exploration, potentially providing deeper insights into cosmic origins than the current James Webb Space Telescope.
NASA has announced that a new telescope concept called PRIMA is moving forward in consideration for a 2033 launch to look at the origins of planets and galaxies.
By Elizabeth Howell Edited by Brandon Specktor , Laura Mondrag n Published 25 September 2026 In News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
A rendering of NASA's proposed PRIMA telescope, which could launch as soon as 2033. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter NASA is moving forward with designing a new space telescope that can see even deeper into the infrared universe than the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) can.
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