NASA has selected PRIMA, the PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics, to advance into the next phase of development. It is the first mission in a new class of NASA astrophysics missions called Probe Explorers, part of the agency's long running Explorers Program.
Key facts
- Phase B: PRIMA moves into the phase that advances the preliminary design and technology development. A confirmation review will decide whether it is ready to begin implementation in Phase C.
- Cost cap: if confirmed, the project cost is capped at 1.2 billion US dollars, not including launch and other non-project costs.
- Launch target: 2033, for a planned five year mission.
- Telescope: a 5.9 foot telescope, about 1.8 metres, for deep and sensitive surveys in far-infrared light.
Science goals
According to NASA, PRIMA will bridge the gap between existing infrared observatories such as the James Webb Space Telescope and radio telescopes. It will study the origins of planets outside the solar system, how galaxies and their black holes have grown over cosmic history and how dust and heavy elements have built up in the universe.
The PRIMA mission is humanity's next window into the deep universe.Nicky Fox, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA
Partners
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will manage PRIMA, with NASA's Goddard and Marshall centres as partners. International contributions are planned from CNES, ASI, DLR, the Canadian Space Agency, KASI and KASA from South Korea, JAXA and the UK Space Agency.
Why it matters
The Probe Explorers class was recommended by the 2020 astronomy and astrophysics Decadal Survey of the US National Academies. It creates a mission category between smaller Explorers and flagship observatories, which will generate demand for medium class launches in the 2030s. The launch vehicle for PRIMA has not been announced.
Related reading
- Falcon Heavy Launches NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to Hunt Dark Energy
- Lagrange Points Explained: Why SOHO and Webb Park Far From Earth
- Falcon Heavy Explained: How SpaceX Launches Heavy Payloads
Sources
Cover image: Galaxy IC 342 in infrared light, observed by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech (PIA14402), public domain.