Mars 2020 spacecraft approaching Mars, illustration. The spacecraft's heat shield protects it as it enters the Martian atmosphere (left) and friction heats it to over 1,000 degrees Celsius. It's landing target is Jezero crater (ringed in yellow). The spacecraft is carrying the Perseverance rover, which will study the geology of Mars and search for signs of life. Mars 2020 launched on 30th July 2020 and is expected to land on Mars on February 18th 2021.