News by Levels · Level 1 · Student worksheet

Cardiff planned parts for PRIMA

In this lesson: Identify Cardiff’s planned contribution and the purpose of Phase B.

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

Cardiff University said it would provide far-infrared filters and internal calibration sources for NASA’s planned PRIMA observatory.

NASA selected PRIMA for Phase B, a stage for preliminary design and technology development. Launch was targeted for 2033, with a planned five-year mission.

The mission still required a confirmation review before implementation. Selection for development did not mean the observatory was already built, launched or collecting scientific results.

Editorial correction, 26 October 2026: We corrected factual wording and chronology after checking the sources below. This is a retrospective archive review; the original publication date is retained.

Source: Sources checked 26 October 2026. https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/3096039-cardiff-astronomers-to-provide-key-technologies-for-revolutionary-nasa-mission https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-selects-far-infrared-telescope-as-first-in-new-mission-class/

Read and practise

1. What work does Phase B concern?

   1. Only completed scientific observations
   2. Preliminary design and technology development
   3. A launch that has already happened

2. What did Cardiff plan to provide?

   1. The final confirmation review itself
   2. Far-infrared filters and internal calibration sources
   3. Completed scientific observations from orbit

Your turn

What would Cardiff provide for PRIMA?

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/cardiff-team-joins-nasa-telescope-mission-september-2026/level-1/