A satellite built by France and China was launched this Saturday (06/22/2024) with the aim of detecting colossal explosions in the universe, in an example of cooperation between the Asian giant and a Western power.
Developed by engineers from both countries, the Svom (Space Variable Objects Monitor) mission searches for so-called gamma ray bursts, authentic luminous fossils that could contain more information about the history of the universe.
The 930-kilogram satellite, which includes four instruments (two Chinese and two French), was launched into space aboard a Chinese Long March 2-C rocket from the Xichang space base in Sichuan province, southwestern China. country, reported the AFP news agency.
Gamma-ray bursts generally occur after the explosion of massive stars (more than 20 times the mass of the Sun) or the merger of compact stars.
These flashes, the result of the most powerful explosions in the universe, give off a colossal luminosity that can emit energy equivalent to more than a trillion suns.
rr (afp/reuters)
