NASA advances X-ray and far-infrared telescope concepts for astrophysics missions

NASA has chosen two proposals for X-ray and far-infrared space telescopes for further study. This decision is part of a new astrophysics mission line called Probe Explorers. Each proposal will receive $5 million for one-year design studies. The selected missions are the Advanced X-ray Imaging Satellite (AXIS) and the Probe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA). AXIS aims to study supermassive black holes and galaxy dynamics, while PRIMA focuses on planet formation and galaxy evolution. NASA plans to select one of the proposals for development in 2026, with a launch expected in 2032. The agency has set a cost cap of $1 billion for these missions, excluding launch costs.