NASA’s PRIMA Spacecraft (Artist’s Concept)

The item is an artist’s concept (credited to NASA/JPL-Caltech, image PIA26355, dated 10/07/2026) depicting the proposed design for NASA’s PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA), which the agency selected in September 2026. PRIMA is described as the first in a new class of NASA astrophysics missions called Probe Explorers, within NASA’s longstanding Explorers Program.

By observing far-infrared light, PRIMA would enable scientists to study cosmic objects heavily obscured by dust, providing new insights into the formation of planets, stars, and black holes, and even how water on Earth came to be. If confirmed by the agency, PRIMA would be targeted to launch in 2033 for a planned five-year mission.