Abstract: So far, the dynamic characteristics of parachute-backshell-lander three-body system for Mars Pathfinder during deceleration descending process have not been studied in China. To master the dynamis characteristics of the Mars Pathfinder parachute-payload system during descending, using the method of multi-body dynamics，an end-to-end dynamic model including parachute deployment, inflation, parachute filling, heat shield separation lander separation from backshell was proposed. The dynamic characteristics of the parachute-vehicle system for Mars Pathfinder during deceleration descending were studied with themodel. The results show that the stable time for the velocity and attitude of parachute-payload system of Mars Pathfinder is longer than that on Earth，the altitude loss is more than that on Earth, the symmetry axis of the probe takes longer time to become vertical, and the amplitude of swing angle is larger. These should be specially noted when designing parachute-opening time and timing of work of Marsprobe. The conclusion could provide technology reference for parachute system design of Mars probe.

Key words: Mars Pathfinder, parachute-vehicle system, three-body system, dynamic characteristics, simulation