Very Large Area Gamma-ray Space Telescope (VLAST)

High energy gamma-rays carry the fundamental information of the astrophysical sources in extreme conditions. The space detection of gamma-rays is distinguished by the wide energy range, the observation continuity as well as the high energy resolution. With the experience in constructing and running the DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE), we propose a new satellite mission---Very Large Area gamma-ray Space Telescope (VLAST). VLAST has an acceptance of sim 10m²cdotsr at GeV energies and sim 1m²cdotsr at MeV energies. Together with a much better energy resolution, VLAST is expected to increase the sensitivity of Fermi Large Area Telescope by a factor of 10. In this work, the main scientific objectives, the detection principle, the payload and the expected performance of VLAST are introduced.