SVOM – Space-based multiband astronomical Variable Objects Monitor

The Chinese-French space mission SVOM (Space-based multi-band astronomical Variable Objects Monitor) is mainly designed to detect and localize Gamma-Ray Burst events (GRBs). The satellite, to be launched late 2021, embarks a set of gamma-ray, X-ray and optical imagers. Thanks to its pointing strategy, quick slew capability and fast data connection to earth, ground based observations with large telescopes will allow us to measure redshifts for an unprecedented number of GRBs. While the association of long GRBs with core-collapse SNe is well established, the recent detection of a kilonova and of a short GRBs in coincidence with GW170817 beautifully confirms predictions from NS-NS or NS-BH mergers models. I will present the SVOM instrumentation, its policy for alert distribution and will discuss the overall science goals and capability of the SVOM mission in the framework of the multi-wavelength and multi-messenger panorama of the next decade.