The SVOM mission

The Sino-French space mission SVOM is mainly designed to detect, localize and follow-up Gamma-Ray Bursts and other high-energy transients. The satellite, to be launched mid 2023, embarks two wide-field gamma-ray instruments and two narrow-field telescopes operating at X-ray and optical wavelengths. It is complemented by a dedicated ground segment encompassing a set of wide-field optical cameras and two 1-m class follow-up telescopes. In this contribution, we describe the main characteristics of the mission and discuss its scientific rationale and some original GRB studies that it will enable.

Automated summary

The Sino-French space mission SVOM is designed to detect and study high-energy transients such as Gamma-Ray Bursts. It consists of a satellite with gamma-ray instruments and telescopes, as well as a ground segment with optical cameras and telescopes. This article discusses the mission's characteristics and its potential for original GRB studies.