Abstract: In this paper, the aerodynamic thermal environment of a typical Mars entry vehicle is analyzed, and the major requirements for conducting tests in the Martian atmosphere are highlighted, as well as the necessity of establishing a thermal environment simulation and thermal protection test method for Mars probes. The thermal protection tests for the Mars entry vehicle performed at home and abroad are reviewed. The importance of the ground thermal protection tests is shown, as well as the importance of studying the operation characteristics of the arc heaters in air and CO₂, to provide a necessary support for Mars thermal protection tests. It is suggested that the basic researches of the catalytic properties of the thermal protection materials in CO₂ and some advanced testing techniques (such as TALIF, OES, HSC, etc.) are the directions of the future development.