NASA Selects PRIMA Space Telescope for Next Development Phase

NASA has announced the selection of the PRIMA (PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics) space telescope, marking a significant advancement in its exploration of the universe. This mission is the first to be developed under NASA's new Probe Explorers class within the Explorers Program. It aims to deepen understanding of the universe's history and evolution, focusing on the formation of planets, stars, black holes, and the origins of water on Earth. Nicky Fox, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, emphasized that PRIMA represents humanity's next window into the deep universe, promising to unveil many cosmic mysteries.

The PRIMA mission is progressing to Phase B development, which involves refining the preliminary design and advancing technology for the mission. This phase will undergo a confirmation review that assesses technical, programmatic, and cost performance to ensure readiness for Phase C implementation. If confirmed, the total project cost for PRIMA is capped at $1.2 billion, excluding launch and associated non-project costs. The telescope is scheduled for launch in 2033 and is designed for a five-year mission, conducting deep surveys of the universe in far-infrared light.

PRIMA will bridge the observational gap between existing infrared observatories, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, and radio telescopes. By focusing on radiant energy that emerges in the far-infrared spectrum, the mission will address key questions about the universe, including the origins of exoplanets, the growth and evolution of galaxies and their black holes, and the accumulation of cosmic dust and heavy elements over time. Shawn Domagal-Goldman, director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters, noted that while no single mission can solve all cosmic mysteries, PRIMA will provide an incredibly comprehensive view of the cosmos alongside other missions like Webb and Roman.

The PRIMA mission's development follows recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's 2020 Decadal Survey, which urged the establishment of the Probe Explorers mission class. Following a rigorous evaluation of concept studies, PRIMA was selected based on its scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with the Decadal Survey's objectives. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California will manage the mission, with contributions from various NASA centers and international partners, including the French CNES, Italian ASI, German DLR, Canadian CSA, Korean KASI, Japanese JAXA, and the UK Space Agency.

The Explorers Program, the oldest continuous NASA program, aims to provide frequent, low-cost access to space through investigator-led space science missions. Since its inception with the launch of Explorer 1 in 1958, the program has initiated over 100 missions, including those that have earned Nobel Prizes for their contributions to astronomy. Managed by NASA Goddard, the Explorers Program continues to conduct a wide array of research and scientific exploration programs across various domains, including Earth studies and solar system exploration. For more information on NASA's Astrophysics missions, visit their official website.