- September 25, 2026
- By Jason P. Dinh
A proposal for a space probe co-developed by University of Maryland astronomers is advancing to the next stage of development, NASA announced on Wednesday.
The PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA) will measure far-infrared radiation at unprecedented sensitivity, paving the way to discoveries on planet formation, black hole and galaxy evolution, the origins of cosmic dust and more. With a 5.9-foot telescope, PRIMA will help bridge the gap between existing infrared observatories, such as NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, and radio telescopes.
The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory will manage the mission, with contributions from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and Marshall Space Flight Center and international partners. UMD Professor Alberto Bolatto is a co-investigator leading PRIMA research on galaxy evolution, and Professor Sylvain Veilleux is a science working group lead for the mission’s research on active galactic nuclei—black holes that are actively consuming matter.
“NASA’s selection of PRIMA is a landmark moment for astrophysics and University of Maryland astronomers,” said Amitabh Varshney, dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. “We are proud to support a bold mission that will empower scientists to make discoveries about our universe that we can scarcely imagine today.”
PRIMA will move into Phase B, advancing its preliminary design and technology development. If confirmed, its project cost is capped at $1.2 billion, not including launch and other non-project costs. The observatory will be targeted to launch in 2033, for a planned five-year mission.
"PRIMA is a huge step forward,” said UMD Astronomy Chair Andrew Harris. “The results will enable Professors Bolatto and Veilleux and their students to make breakthrough discoveries in galaxy formation and evolution, increasing humanity's understanding of the universe while adding to Maryland's prominence in the field.”