Observation programs

Core Program - CP

The Core Program is dedicated to Gamma-Ray Burst physics (GRB):

• Study of the nature of the central engine

• radiation processes

• GRB-supernova connection

• short GRB progenitors

More information on the CP processing chain at FSC 👉 this way

General Program - GP

The General Program covers the planned observation and analysis of astrophysical targets of interest mostly compliant with the satellite attitude law optimized for GRB detection and observation

More information on the GP processing chain at FSC 👉 that way

Target of Opportunity

The Target of Opportunity programs cover the observation and analysis of unplanned or unanticipated astrophysical targets of interest. They are sorted in three categories:

Nominal - ToO-NOM

ToO-NOM is the nominal Target of Opportunity program which covers the basic needs for efficient transient follow-up. Scientific targets are : * GRB revisit * Pre-planned observations through a GP proposal waiting for a known source to flare (AGN,…) * New transients

Exceptional - ToO-EX

ToO-EX is the exceptional Target of Opportunity program in case of an exceptional astrophysical event we want to observe rapidly (in less than 12 hours, typically 6h)

Multi-Messenger - ToO-MM

ToO-MM is the dedicated to EM counterpart search in response to a multi-messenger alert. What differs from the ToO-NOM and ToO-EX is the unknown position of the source within a large error box, requiring a tiling observation plan

Observation strategy

Here is a table that sums up the main characteristics for each type of ToO:

ToO type	Approval	Delay	GRB obs. interruption	Frequency	Duration	Tiling	VHF data	Science product availability
ToO-NOM	ToO scientists	<48h	No	1/day	1 orbit	No	No	24h
ToO-EX	PIs/ToO sc.	<12h	Yes	1/month	14 orbits	No	No	24h
ToO-MM	PIs/ToO sc.	<12h	Yes	1/week	7-14 orbits	Yes	MXT	VHF < 1h X-band : 24h

More information on the ToO processing chains at FSC 👉 this way