Progress on SVOM Satellite Development

Abstract

SVOM (Space-based multiband Variable Object Monitor) is a Chinese-French space mission mainly designed to study Gamma-Ray Bursts. The satellite carries four instruments to detect and localize the prompt GRB emission and measure the evolution of the afterglow in the visible band and in soft X-rays, and a VHF communication system enables the fast transmission of SVOM alerts to the ground. The ground segment includes an array of wide-angle cameras and two follow-up telescopes. It was launched into an orbit of about 635 km on 22 June 2024, with three years of nominal operations and an extension of two years.

Keywords

• Space astronomy
• Gamma-ray burst