# NASA advances PRIMA far-infrared telescope

> NASA selected PRIMA as the first mission in its new Probe Explorers astrophysics class and moved it into Phase B, which advances preliminary design and technology development.

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- Publisher: Newsverum
- Section: Technology
- Country: United States
- Published: 2026-10-06T08:59:01+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-07T05:58:26+03:00
- Event / data period: 2026-09-23
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PRIMA stands for Probe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics. NASA says its 5.9-foot telescope will make deep observations in far-infrared light, complementing the range between existing infrared observatories and radio telescopes. The target launch is 2033, with a planned five-year mission.

The mission must pass a confirmation review based on technical, programmatic and cost performance. NASA set a $1.2 billion project-cost cap if confirmed; launch and other non-project costs are excluded.

## Data

### Project cost cap if confirmed

Project-cost cap NASA stated would apply if the mission is confirmed.

Methodology: The amount excludes launch and other non-project costs and is conditional on confirmation.

| label | value | unit | period | basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost cap, if confirmed | 1.2 | billion US dollars | 2026-09-23 | target |

Sources: <https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-selects-far-infrared-telescope-as-first-in-new-mission-class/> · Download data: [JSON](https://newsverum.com/api/v1/articles/nasa-prima-far-infrared-probe-explorer-september-2026/data/project-cost-cap?lang=en&format=json) · [CSV](https://newsverum.com/api/v1/articles/nasa-prima-far-infrared-probe-explorer-september-2026/data/project-cost-cap?lang=en&format=csv)

## Sources

- [NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory](<https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-selects-far-infrared-telescope-as-first-in-new-mission-class/>) (Source checked: 2026-10-06; Published: 2026-09-23)

## Correction history

- 2026-10-07T00:52:08+03:00: German and Portuguese editions and translations of the data and correction explanations have been added to this article.
- 2026-10-07T05:58:26+03:00: Data classification added: each figure now carries a measure identifier with its unit, geography, frequency and type. No figure, unit or date changed.

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