BEIJING, Apr. 19 (China Space News) —  China is aiming to launch its first mission to Mars around 2020, the director of the National Space Administration announced on Friday.

"The probe is expected to orbit the red planet, land and deploy a rover all in one mission, which is quite difficult to achieve," said Xu Dazhe at a press conference ahead of April 24 celebrations marking the launch of the country's first satellite 46 years ago.

Xu revealed that the mission was approved by central authorities in January.