A new advanced astronomical satellite created jointly by China and France is starting to show its scientific potential.

Recently, the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported that the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) detected three gamma-ray bursts.

The first burst was spotted on June 27 right after its Gamma-ray Burst Monitor was activated for tests.

Two more bursts were observed on June 29 and July 2.

The data collected from these detections has been shared internationally through the General Coordinates Network, a platform for astronomy research.

Gamma-ray bursts are powerful explosions that occur in distant galaxies, known as some of the most intense events since the beginning of the universe.

Before these discoveries, the SVOM satellite completed tests in space and connected with over 40 ground communication stations.

All four of its scientific instruments, including the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor and the Visible Telescope, passed their initial tests successfully.

Wei Jianyan, a scientist from the CAS’ National Astronomical Observatories and the Chinese lead investigator for SVOM, expressed confidence in the satellite’s abilities.

He mentioned ongoing adjustments and scientific experiments with other instruments onboard, expecting exciting findings in future operations.

The SVOM project began in 2005 through collaboration between the China National Space Administration and France’s National Center for Space Studies.

It involved contributions from various institutes in both countries.

Launched on June 22 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Chinese Long March 2C rocket, the 930-kilogram satellite was built by the CAS’ Innovation Academy for Microsatellites in Shanghai.

Equipped with sophisticated tools such as the ECLAIRs coded mask camera and the Microchannel X-ray Telescope from French researchers, along with the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor and Visible Telescope developed by Chinese teams, SVOM aims to thoroughly observe gamma-ray bursts. Its objectives include pinpointing these bursts, examining their characteristics, investigating dark energy, studying how the universe evolves, and observing electromagnetic signals associated with gravitational waves.

Overall, SVOM represents a significant step forward in space-based astronomical research, highlighting international collaboration in exploring the mysteries of the universe through advanced satellite technology.