Optimisation of the SVOM satellite strategy for the rapid follow-up of gravitational wave events

Understand

The SVOM satellite, to be launched in early 2024, is primarily devoted to the multi-wavelength observation of gamma-ray bursts and other higher-energy transients.

• Thanks to its onboard Microchannel X-ray Telescope and Visible-band Telescope, it is also very well adapted to the electromagnetic follow-up of gravitational wave events.
• We discuss the SVOM rapid follow-up strategy for gravitational wave trigger candidates provided by LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA.
• In particular, we make use of recent developments of galaxy catalogs adapted to the horizon of gravitational wave detectors to optimise the chance of counterpart discovery.