NASA advances PRIMA, the first mission in its new Probe Explorers class.

PRIMA is the first mission chosen for NASA's new Probe Explorers astrophysics class. The 5.9-foot telescope is designed to survey far-infrared light and study the formation of planets, stars, galaxies, black holes, dust and heavy elements.

The mission has entered Phase B and must pass a confirmation review before implementation. NASA set a project-cost cap of $1.2 billion, excluding launch and other non-project costs, and plans a five-year mission if approved.