Like the UAE, this is China's first attempt to go to Mars. But unlike the UAE, China is experienced in both earth orbit and lunar missions.
Tienwen-1 ("Quest for Heavenly Truth") entered Mars orbit last Wednesday, where it will stay for three months. In May their landing platform will descend on the ancient impact crater, Utopia Planitia. This unique and difficult landing from orbit is being called "Seven Minutes of Terror." A ramp will then deploy so the rover can come down.
Solar powered, it will look for water-ice underground, study the composition of rocks, and send back pictures. Other planned activities were not disclosed.
Europe, too, had planned to send a rover to Mars during this window of reduced distance, but problems led to a delay. The new plan is to launch in 2022.
from Forbes
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