NASA has officially moved the Probe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA) into Phase B, marking the start of preliminary design and technology development. This project represents the inaugural mission in the agency’s new "Probe Explorers" class, a category established under the recommendation of the National Academies’ 2020 Decadal Survey.

Equipped with a 5.9-foot telescope, PRIMA is designed to conduct sensitive surveys in far-infrared light. By capturing radiant energy that is otherwise obscured, the mission aims to provide insights into the formation of planetary systems, the growth of galaxies, and the accumulation of cosmic dust and heavy elements. NASA officials noted that the telescope will serve as a bridge between existing observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope and various radio telescope arrays.

"The PRIMA mission is humanity’s next window into the deep universe," said Nicky Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. "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."

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The mission is currently slated for a 2033 launch, with a planned operational lifespan of five years. If the project successfully passes its confirmation review regarding technical and cost performance, its budget will be capped at $1.2 billion, excluding launch and non-project expenses.

Management of the mission is led by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, with support from the Goddard Space Flight Center and the Marshall Space Flight Center. The project also features significant international collaboration, involving space agencies from France, Italy, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Source: NASA