NASA Announces PRIMA, Its Far-Infrared Observatory Mission for 2033

NASA selected in September 2026 the PRIMA mission (PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics), a new space observatory dedicated to far-infrared observation.

PRIMA is part of a new category of astrophysics missions called Probe Explorers, integrated into the US space agency’s Explorers program.

Thanks to its ability to observe far-infrared light, PRIMA will study cosmic objects heavily obscured by dust, providing unprecedented insights into the formation of planets, stars, black holes, as well as the origin of water on Earth.

If confirmed, the mission is scheduled to launch in 2033, with an operational duration of five years.