NASA’s new PRIMA space telescope will explore the hidden universe

NASA announced a new space telescope, PRIMA, on September 23, 2026 — the first mission in its new Probe Explorers class. Managed by JPL with international partners including France, Germany, Japan, Canada, South Korea, and the UK, PRIMA will survey the universe in far-infrared light to study planet formation, galaxy evolution, and cosmic dust. The mission has advanced to Phase B and targets a 2033 launch, pending a formal confirmation review, with a project cost capped at $1.2 billion. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech; Image Credit: Getty