SVOM Satellite Unleashes Astounding Cosmic Findings!

In an extraordinary leap for space exploration, the SVOM (Space-based Multi-band Variable Object Monitor) satellite, a collaborative marvel co-developed by China and France, has unveiled its first set of scientific discoveries! This significant announcement comes during the celebration of China's 10th National Space Day.

A Stellar Launch into the Cosmos!

Launched aboard China's Long March-2C rocket on June 22, 2024, the SVOM satellite has spent about 10 months in space, successfully completing its in-orbit testing. The results? Over 100 gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) detected, shattering records, including the most distant observation of a short-duration GRB.

A Glimpse into the Universe's Infancy!

Among the standout discoveries is the finding of GRB250314A, originating a staggering 13 billion years ago, with a remarkable redshift of 7.3. This event dates back to just 700 million years after the Big Bang, possibly linked to the collapse of one of the universe's first stars into a black hole or neutron star. Such a discovery offers humanity an exceptional peek into the cosmic 'infancy'!

Celebrating International Space Cooperation!

SVOM was officially handed over to the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai, with representatives from both the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) and the Academia Sinica (CAS) present. Delegates from China and France celebrated this satellite not just as the most advanced system for multi-band observations of GRBs, but also as a landmark achievement in international space collaboration.

A New Era in Astronomy!

With its groundbreaking capabilities, SVOM is poised to revolutionize global time-domain astronomy research. This joint project exemplifies high-level cooperation between two major space powers, paving the way for exciting discoveries and deepening our understanding of the universe.