[2] SVOM will study the explosions of massive stars by analysing the resulting gamma-ray bursts.

The light-weight X-ray mirror for SVOM weighs just 1 kg (2.2 lb).

[5] Its anti-solar pointing strategy makes the Earth cross the field of view of its payload every orbit.

[6] Using synergy between space and ground instruments, the mission has these scientific objectives:[7] The selected orbit is circular with an altitude of 600 km (370 mi) and an inclination angle of 30° with a precession period of 60 days.

[8] The payload is composed of the following four main instruments:[8][9] The ground segment includes a set of three ground-based dedicated instruments – two robotic Ground Follow-up Telescopes (GFT) and an optical monitor, Ground Wide Angle Camera (GWAC) – which will complement the space borne instruments.