The SVOM mission (Space-based multi-band astronomical Variable Objects Monitor) is a Franco-Chinese mission dedicated to the study of the most distant explosions of stars, the gamma-ray bursts. It is to be launched by the Chinese Long March 2C rocket from the Xichang launch base.
It is the result of a collaboration between the two national space agencies, CNSA (China National Space Administration) and CNES (Centre national d’études spatiales), with the main contributions of the Institute of Research into the Fundamental Laws of the Universe (Irfu) and the Research Institute of Astrophysics and Planetology (IRAP) for France and the National Astronomical Observatory (NAO) and the Beijing High Energy Institute (IHEP) for China.

The mission consists of 4 main instruments of which 2 are French (ECLAIRs and MXT) and 2 are Chinese (GRM and VT):
– The ECLAIRs telescope to detect and localise gamma bursts in the X-ray band and low-energy gamma rays (from 4 to 250 keV).
– The MXT telescope (Microchannel X-ray Telescope) for the observation of gamma burst in the soft X-ray range (0.2 to 10keV).
– The GRM (Gamma Ray Burst Monitor) to measure the spectrum of high-energy bursts (from 15 keV to 5000 keV).
– The VT telescope (Visible Telescope) operating in the visible range to detect and observe the visible emission produced immediately after a gamma burst.

The satellite weighs a total of 930 kg for a payload of 450 kg. It will be placed in a low earth orbit with an inclination of 30 degrees, an altitude of 625 km and an orbital period of 96 min.

Observations from space will be complemented by a large ground segment consisting of :
– The wide-field camera GWAC (Ground-based Wide Angle Camera) to study from the ground in the visible range, the prompt emission of part of the bursts detected.
– The robotic telescopes GFTs (Ground Follow-up Telescopes) to accurately measure the coordinates of the gamma-ray burst.

Courtesy of SVOM.

Based on fight proven technology of LM-1 and LM-2, the development of LM- 2C launch vehicle was started in 1970. After its successful fight in 1975, LM-2 was renamed to LM-2C.

Stats

Height: 42 m (138 ft)

Diameter: 3.35 m (11.0 ft)

Mass: 233,000 kg (514,000 lb)

Stages: 2

With 14 successes out of 14 launches for LEO missions, this launch vehicle was selected by Motorola, Inc. in April 1993 to provide multiple launches for Iridium communications satellites. According to the Iridium launch mission requirement, some necessary modifications were made. Then this launch vehicle was renamed as LM-2C/SD. Twelve (12) Iridium satellites were successfully launched by LM-2C/SD.

Credit: China Great Wall Industry Corporation

Launch Complex 3

LC-3 is one of two launch areas at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

The pad was completely rebuilt and upgraded between 2005 to 2006 for China's lunar exploration program.

It can currently launch the Chang Zheng 2, 2C, 3 and 3B rockets.

Xichang Satellite Launch Center

The center was built in the early 1980s and takes its name from the closest major city, Xichang, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.

The space center is used to launch international scientific, civilian, and military satellites.

Xichang is not without controversy. In 1996, it was the site of a deadly launch accident when a rocket flew off course and crashed into an un-evacuated village 1.2 km away.

In 2007, it was used to launch an anti-satellite missile test which destroyed a satellite in low Earth orbit. The test created thousands of pieces of debris that were very hard to track and was criticized for the danger it potentially placed the crew of the International Space Station in.