MXT instrument on-board the French-Chinese SVOM mission

Abstract

The SVOM (Space-based multi-band astronomical Variable Objects Monitor) French-Chinese mission is dedicated to the detection, localization and study of Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) and other high-energy transient phenomena. We first present the general description of the French payload composed of the ECLAIRs instrument, dedicated to GRB detection and localization and the MXT instrument, dedicated to GRB follow-up observation in soft X-ray band. Then the paper describes more in detail the design and the performances of the MXT instrument, finally a status of MXT development will be given.