PRIMA

PRIMA (for Probe Far-infrared Mission for Astrophysics) is a proposed 2030s NASA 1.8-m far infrared cryogenically-cooled space reflector telescope to be placed at L2. Its wavelength range spans much of the gap between that of ALMA and that of JWST. It is designed both for astronomical survey work and pointed observation. A five-year life is envisioned. Proposed instruments:

• PRIMAger - imager/low-spectral resolution imaging spectrometer with polarimetry capability.
• FIRESS (far-infrared enhanced survey spectrometer) - spectrometer with higher spectral resolution.

In October 2024, NASA selected PRIMA from a number of Explorer proposals for study, with the expectation of deciding in 2026 whether to proceed with construction for a 2032 launch.

PRIMA is also the name of a former ESO VLT instrument.