Mars 2020 spacecraft, illustration. The Mars 2020 spacecraft consists of five major components (from top to bottom): cruise stage, backshell, descent stage, Perseverance rover and heat shield. The cruise stage (top) contains solar panels and communications for the spacecraft's trip to Mars. The backshell (second from top) and the heat shield (bottom), together form the aeroshell, protecting the rover in descent. The Perseverance rover (second from bottom) is a vehicle that has scientific instruments to explore and collect samples. The descent stage (centre) has eight jet engines and is used to slow the final descent allowing the rover to touch down safely. The mission's main aims will be to study the geology of Mars and search for signs of life. The spacecraft launched on 30th July 2020 and is scheduled to arrive on 18th February 2021.