Infrared Science and Technology Integration Group
(IR STIG)

Abstract: It is both an extremely exciting — but also precarious — time for far-infrared (FIR) astrophysics. JWST is making discoveries at a stunning pace, but also showing us that sensitive access to the wide FIR wavelength region between JWST and ALMA is essential to answer fundamental questions on topics such as the coupled growth of galaxies and black holes, the enrichment of the universe with dust and metals, and the role of water in the assembly of exoplanets. Yet, there is currently no approved FIR space mission capable of filling these scientific gaps and accessing the vast FIR discovery space, nationally or abroad. In recognition of the enormous science potential of the FIR, significant technological investments have been made, for instance in detector technology. NASA’s open Astrophysics Probe EXplorer (APEX) competition is our opportunity to deliver a FIR general observatory to meet the needs of the community as described in the Decadal Survey. But selection is not guaranteed — if no FIR mission is forthcoming in the next decade, we may not be able to sustain the investment in human and technical infrastructure, and the deep FIR window may close for our generation. It is an all-hands-on-deck moment to support a FIR Probe: We must unite and demonstrate to astronomers from outside the FIR community that FIR access is critical to address broad science questions laid out in the Decadal, and that this need is urgent. I will describe one such Probe: PRIMA – the PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics. PRIMA combines a cold 1.8-m telescope with ultrasensitive arrays of kinetic inductance detectors to address most of the science questions requiring FIR observations. I will describe the observatory, our new technology and science goals, and highlight exciting General Observer uses cases submitted to the PRIMA GO Science Book.