The spacecraft composite consists of

a carrier module (CM)
a descente module composite (DMC), consisting in turn of
a descente module (DM)
and the rover module (RM)

The carrier module is the element that carries the descent module composite from the Earth to Mars' orbit. Once in orbitit is able to await favourable conditions before releasing the DMC into the correct trajectory for its entry, descent and landing. The carrier module continues on a collision course to Mars, breaking-up and burning as it enters the Martian atmosphere.

The descente module composite is the element of the mission that performs the ballistic entry, descent and landing onto the Martian surface. Once on the surface, the DMC deploys the Lander, which accommodate the rover module as well as the Humboldt geophysical and environmental scientific payload.

To achieve a safe entry, descente and landing onto the Martian surface, the DMC includes:

a heat shield,
a parachute system,
descent thrusters,
a reaction control system
and the lander.