The Franco-Chinese space mission SVOM (Space-based multiband astronomical Variable Objects Monitor) is dedicated to observing the high-energy cosmic phenomena known as "gamma-ray bursts". It will be used to coordinate an alert system for the satellite's onboard telescopes (gamma-ray, X-ray and visible light) and a network of ground-based automated optical telescopes.
One of the two SVOM space instruments under French responsibility – the Microchannel X-ray Telescope (MXT) – will detect the "soft" X-rays of the gamma-ray burst at the beginning of the afterglow and will localize the source with good precision.
In November 2021, the system was successfully calibrated in Germany by teams from the Cnes and the CEA, with support from the IJCLab (Irène Joliot-Curie Lab) in Orsay, the University of Leicester (UK), and the Max Planck Institute for Extraterre
The Franco-Chinese space mission SVOM (Space-based multiband astronomical Variable Objects Monitor) is dedicated to the observation of high-energy cosmic phenomena known as "gamma-ray bursts". The SVOM mission is composed by a set of onboard telescopes (gamma-ray, X-ray and visible light) and a network of ground-based automated optical telescopes.
One of the two SVOM space instruments under French responsibility – the Microchannel X-ray Telescope (MXT) – will detect the "soft" X-rays following the gamma-ray burst (the so-called "early afterglow") and will localize the source with good precision.
In November 2021, the telescope was successfully calibrated in Germany by Cnes and CEA teams, with support from the IJCLab (Laboratoire Irène Joliot-Curie) in Orsay, the University of Leicester (UK), and the Max Planck Institut für Extraterrestrische Physik, near Munich.
The Irfu is in charge of providing the MXT camera, which notably includes:
- a CCD (256×256 pixels) silicon X-ray detector, supplied by the Max Planck Institute and integrated on a ceramic plate
- a filter wheel for calibration and protection of the instrument
- three thermoelectric coolers to maintain the detector temperature between -75°C and -60°C
This camera is placed at the focal point of a revolutionary optic inspired by a lobster eye, able to form the image on the detector.
The MXT is currently ready to be integrated on the SVOM satellite platform this year, before its planned launch in 2023 on board the Long March 2C rocket.