science π NASA pushes PRIMA telescope development forward
NASA is actively continuing the development of the PRIMA infrared space telescope, which is set to enter Phase B for preliminary design. This 1.8-meter telescope, called Probe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics, is planned for a five-year mission starting no earlier than 2033. It aims to study exoplanet origins, galaxy growth, and black hole evolution in the far-infrared range. Astronomer Meredith MacGregor noted it can determine the role of water in planet formation, which JWST cannot access. PRIMA will be the first mission in the new Probe Explorers class, with a cost cap of $1.2 billion. π