Joint venture debunks theories about universe

A cutting-edge astronomical satellite jointly developed by Chinese and French scientists has captured the attention of the global scientific community with groundbreaking discoveries, just 10 months after entering orbit.

The Space-based Multi-band Variable Object Monitor, or SVOM, unveiled its initial scientific achievements during China's 10th Space Day celebration in Shanghai, marking a major step forward in the study of gamma-ray bursts — the most violent explosions in the universe since the Big Bang. These bursts occur during the collapse of massive stars or the merger of compact stellar remnants such as neutron stars and black holes.

Launched on June 22, 2024, after nearly two decades of collaboration between the China National Space Administration and France's National Center for Space Studies, SVOM has already detected more than 100 gamma-ray bursts. The results affirm the satellite's status as the most powerful "gamma-ray burst catcher" in the world.