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An observatory built by Chinese and French researchers will hunt for the universe’s most powerful explosions after being launched into a low-Earth orbit in another landmark space mission between the two countries.
The Space-based multi-band astronomical Variable Objects Monitor, or SVOM, blasted off on top of a Long March 2C rocket from western China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre late last month, state news agency Xinhua reported.
The 930kg (2,050-pound) probe will orbit Earth at 625km (450 miles) above the ground to accurately measure the location and energy of distant, violent explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.
The project, led by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and the French space agency CNES, began in 2006.
“The launch of SVOM closed a loop which started 18 years ago,” François Gonzalez, SVOM’s French project manager at CNES, said.
He said that the scientific and technical teams learned how to “adapt their own ways” to work together over the years.
