NASA selected PRIMA to advance to Phase B on September 23, 2026, making it the first mission in NASA’s Probe Explorers class. The far-infrared observatory now moves through preliminary design and technology development; a confirmation review will come before NASA decides whether it can proceed to Phase C.
What Phase B means for PRIMA
Phase B advances the mission’s preliminary design and technology development. The next major decision comes at a confirmation review, where NASA will assess technical, programmatic and cost performance before deciding on Phase C implementation.
That review is the gate between this development work and the next implementation phase. NASA’s selection is a milestone for PRIMA, while the mission’s eventual construction and launch remain subject to the steps ahead.
What PRIMA is designed to study
NASA plans deep, sensitive surveys in far-infrared light to investigate the origins of planets beyond the Solar System, how galaxies and their black holes grow and evolve, and how cosmic dust and heavy elements accumulated over time.
The far-infrared observations are intended to extend coverage between infrared observatories such as the James Webb Space Telescope and radio telescopes. That gives PRIMA a distinct role in NASA’s broader view of the universe.
Planned schedule and cost
NASA targets a 2033 launch and describes a planned five-year mission. If PRIMA passes confirmation, its project cost will be capped at $1.2 billion, excluding launch and other non-project costs.
Who is managing PRIMA
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will manage the mission, with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Marshall Space Flight Center also participating. NASA lists international contributors including CNES, ASI, DLR, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), KASI/KASA, JAXA and the UK Space Agency.
