NASA advances PRIMA as the first Probe Explorers mission

NASA selected the PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics, or PRIMA, to enter Phase B for preliminary design and technology development, making it the first project in the new Probe Explorers mission class. If it passes a later confirmation review, project cost is capped at $1.2 billion excluding launch and other non-project costs, with a 2033 target launch and a planned five-year mission. The 5.9-foot telescope would survey the far-infrared universe to study planet and star formation, galaxy and black-hole evolution, and the origins of dust, heavy elements and water. This is not final launch approval; technical, cost and schedule reviews remain.