Mars-1 probe consist of an orbiter and a Mars rover. Because of the multitude of missions, the whole payload will be a record setting 5 tons. It will be the most challenging mission yet. Thanks to the foundation laid by the Chang'e lunar program, around 40% of the technology are common with the Mars mission.

Mars-1 probe will make use of seven orbital transfer to travel nearly 300 million km to reach Mars. The signal will be seriously attenuated. Chinese deep space network including the 66 m radio antenna in Jiamusi station, 35 m radio antenna in Kashgar station within the country and other overseas site will provide spacecraft communication support to the Mars mission.