Pathfinder on Mars . ... Credit Copyright: IMP Team , JPL , NASA Explanation: Yesterday, July 4th, using its own array of fireworks, a parachute, and a cocoon of airbags, the Mars Pathfinder spacecraft successfully bounced and came to rest on the surface of Mars at 10:07 AM Pacific Daylight Time. ... Above is a mosaic of images from the martian surface transmitted shortly after Pathfinder reestablished communication with its mission operators on Earth . ... NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...