China's self-developed Mars probe to be displayed

Beijing: A model of China's Martian probe is set to debut at a fair on Tuesday, the media reported.

The 17th China International Industry Fair will open on Tuesday in Shanghai, China.org reported.

The golden model, which is a third of its real size, has been given pride of place at China's Aerospace Science and Technology Corp's exhibition stand.

Niu Shengda, a satellite expert with the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, explained that the probe consists of two parts -- an orbiter and a lander.

China's astronomers have set their sights on the Red Planet following a successful soft landing on the moon late last year.

They plan to launch the probe in 2020.