Sequence of Events:

07/04/97 17:09:09 Approximate Time Air Bag Retraction Begins

At this point in the landing sequence the slow process of air bag retraction begins. Within each air bag panel are cords which attach to the far inner surface of the air bags. These cords are used to draw air bags back to the surface of each of the four sides of the lander. This must be done to ensure that the petals of the lander do not become entangled with the air bags as the lander unfolds.