NASA selects PRIMA far infrared telescope for Probe Explorers class
NASA has chosen the PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics as the initial project in its new Probe Explorers class of astrophysics missions.
FTMQ Space, written by our newsroom0 views
NASA selected the PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics, known as PRIMA, in September 2026, NASA News and NASA Science reported. The observatory is the first spacecraft in a new class of NASA astrophysics missions named Probe Explorers within the agency’s longstanding Explorers Program, according to NASA News, Mirage News, and Wikipedia. [1][3][4][5]
PRIMA will observe far-infrared light to assist scientists in studying cosmic objects that are heavily obscured by dust, NASA News explained. Wikipedia notes that the uncrewed space telescope is scheduled to launch in 2033. [1][5]
An artist's concept depicts the proposed design for the planned observatory, NASA News and NASA Science reported. Such representations showcase concepts and objects that cannot be seen by the naked eye or when no other accurate image is available. [1][3][6]
Students at Georgia Tech will fly the NASA spacecraft from a mission control facility located on their campus, Newswise reported. [2]
In short
- NASA selected the PRIMA mission in September 2026.
- PRIMA is the first observatory in NASA's new Probe Explorers class.
- The spacecraft will observe far-infrared light to study dust-obscured cosmic objects.
- PRIMA is scheduled to launch in 2033.
Sources
Every paragraph above points to the numbered items it rests on. Read the originals here.
- [1]NASA’s PRIMA Spacecraft (Artist’s Concept)NASA News, 6h ago (the report this story comes from)
- [2]Georgia Tech Students to Fly NASA Spacecraft from Campus Mission ControlNewswise, 4h ago
- [3]NASA’s PRIMA Spacecraft (Artist’s Concept)NASA Science (.gov), 6h ago
- [4]NASA's PRIMA SpacecraftMirage News, 5h ago
Background
- [5]PRIMA (spacecraft) on Wikipedia
- [6]Artist's impression on Wikipedia
Our newsroom writes these reports with the help of software, from the 6 sources listed and nothing else, and checks them against those sources. Facts can still be wrong or move on; the originals are the record. Spotted a mistake? Write to daniel@monsterkong.com.
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