Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The Space-based multi-band Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) mission, launched into low Earth orbit on 2024 June 22, is a French-Chinese multi-wavelength observatory dedicated to the study of the transient sky. Inspired by the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, it consists of an autonomous rapid-slewing satellite, linked in real time to several ground-based telescopes. The space segment comprises two X-ray/gamma-ray wide-field instruments (ECLAIRs and Gamma-Ray Monitor) with real-time triggering capabilities combined with two narrow-field telescopes in X-ray (MXT) and in the VT. In addition, the SVOM collaboration has also developed a unique visible and NIR ground-based follow-up system to promptly respond to the gamma-ray transients detected onboard. The Core Program of SVOM will provide new insights into the gamma-ray burst physics by providing a homogeneous dataset covering both the prompt and afterglow emissions, as well as better studying the low luminosity and soft gamma-ray burst populations. As a versatile satellite platform with fast slewing capabilities, SVOM also comprises a Target of Opportunity program and a General Program consisting of pointed observations scheduled over the year that will both significantly contribute to the multi-messenger and time-domain aspects of astronomy.
Authors: B. Cordier, J. Y. Wei, S. N. Zhang, S. Basa, J.-L. Atteia, A. Claret, A. Coleiro, F. Daigne, N. Dagoneau, J. S. Deng, Y. W. Dong, O. Godet, D. Götz, X. H. Han, C. Lachaud, E. W. Liang, F. Piron, Y. L. Qiu, S. Schanne, D. Turpin, S. D. Vergani, J. Wang, C. Wu, L. P. Xin, B. Zhang, M. Bai, S. Crepaldi, K. Feng, F. Gonzalez, M. Huang, D. Li, Y. Liu, H. Louvin, K. Mercier, J. Jaubert, R. Su, M. Y. Wei, X. F. Zhang, Y. Zhang
Institutions: Institut de Recherche sur les Lois Fondamentales de l'Univers, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of High Energy Physics, Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Toulouse, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Guangxi University, Université de Montpellier, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, University of Hong Kong, Centre National d'Études Spatiales, Aerospace Information Research Institute
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales, Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, Institute of High Energy Physics, National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences
OpenAlex ID: W7163069978