China launches advanced satellite to detect high-energy gamma rays in joint project with France

ISTANBUL

China on Saturday launched an astronomical satellite developed with France to capture bursts of high-energy gamma rays from distant parts of the universe, according to state media.

The Space-based Multi-band Variable Object Monitor (SVOM), the result of 20 years of collaboration, blasted off on a Long March-2C rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan Province at 3.00 p.m Beijing time (0700GMT), reported Xinhua news agency.

Designed for operational lifespan of at least five years up to two decades, the SVOM will orbit the Earth at over 600 kilometers (372 miles) above the surface.

"We are looking forward to some important discoveries, such as the earliest gamma-ray bursts," Wei Jianyan, SVOM's Chinese principal investigator, was quoted as saying.

Scientists hope that by detecting gamma ray bursts, which result from the universe's most violent explosive phenomena, the SVOM can help answer fundamental questions about the universe.

For his part, Bertrand Cordier, SVOM's French principal investigator said that "by using the gamma ray bursts as a tool to observe the early universe, we can observe maybe the first stars."

SVOM, equipped with four scientific instruments from China and France, can rapidly detect gamma-ray bursts, transmitting the data to Earth within a minute.

The project integrates space-based and ground-based observations, ensuring swift data collection and analysis.

Liu Yunfeng, deputy director of the China National Space Administration's (CNSA) international cooperation department, highlighted the SVOM as a landmark project symbolizing high-level cooperation between China and France and marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.