The embodiment of the invention provides a Mars exploration method and a Mars probe. The Mars exploration method comprises the steps that the Mars probe is launched from the earth, lifts off and enters an earth Mars transfer orbit, orbit trimming is conducted, and the Mars probe enters a Mars atmospheric layer; pneumatic braking is conducted through the Mars atmospheric layer, and the Mars probe enters and parks on a large elliptical orbit around the Mars; when the Mars probe parks on the large elliptical orbit around the Mars, dust storm on the Mars is monitored; and when the situation that the dust storm on the Mars is formed is determined, the Mars probe enters the Mars atmospheric layer to sample the dust storm on the Mars. According to the scheme, the cost can be reduced during Mars exploration.