The Indian space agency launched its space mission to study black holes on Monday as the country intensifies a space race right from the first day of the New Year.

“We are going to get ready for at least 12-14 missions this year. 2024 is going to be a year for Gaganyaan readiness, though it is targeted for 2025,” Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chief S Somanath told Indian news agency PTI.

The country’s X-ray Polarimeter Satellite makes it only the second nation to study black holes and other celestial objects using an orbiting observatory, according to The Independent.

Isro’s new satellite, carrying two scientific payloads in a low earth orbit, would study various astronomical sources of X-rays.

Nasa launched a similar mission in December 2021. India’s new mission is expected to last for about five years. It could help understand the X-ray emission mechanism of various astronomical sources like black holes, neutron stars, and star forming nebulae.

Indian PM Narendra Modi described it as “a great start to 2024.”

“This launch is wonderful news for the space sector and will enhance India’s prowess in this field. Best wishes to our scientists at Isro and the entire space fraternity in taking India to unprecedented heights,” he said in a post on X.