The Space-based multi-band astronomical Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) is an approved mission for Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) studies, developed in cooperation between the Chinese National Space Agency (CNSA), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the French Space Agency (CNES) and several French laboratories. In the continuity of Swift, SVOM will be a highly versatile astronomy satellite, with built-in multi-wavelength capabilities and rapid slew capability, flexible operations and ground follow-up opening a large discovery area. The paper presents the organization of the program between France and China, the mission and its objectives, the satellite and the payload, the ground segment architecture and finally the operational concept.
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