A team of UK researchers is involved in NASA's newly selected Probe Mission for Far-Infrared Astrophysics (PRIMA). This mission will utilise a 1.8-metre space telescope to observe the Universe in far-infrared wavelengths, aiming to reveal areas currently unobservable by standard telescopes.
PRIMA is designed to conduct sensitive surveys to address questions about the origins of exoplanets, the growth and evolution of galaxies and their black holes, and the build-up of dust and heavy elements over cosmic history. This work is expected to provide a clearer understanding of the Universe's current appearance.
The UK's involvement in PRIMA draws on over four decades of expertise in far-infrared space astronomy. Institutions such as the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) RAL Space, the University of Sussex, Cardiff University, Imperial College London, and Celtic Terahertz Technologies are contributing. The UK is proposed to supply the mission's far-infrared filters, leveraging expertise from Cardiff University and Celtic Terahertz Technologies.
RAL Space is also contributing to the development of the PRIMA Ground Segment, which will manage the scientific data from the mission. This includes creating a specialised observation simulator to model the telescope's movement and imaging.
Space Minister Liz Lloyd stated that the mission will help understand how planets, stars, and black holes are formed. Professor Seb Oliver, leading the UK's contribution from the University of Sussex, highlighted the strength of the UK's national capability in instrumentation, calibration, and mission operations.