If a chunk of dead satellite lands in my back garden, am I legally allowed to sell it for scrap?

Science aside, NASA's interest in recovering the debris is not just about protecting the public but also enforcing the law, Johnson said.

"Because this is a U.S. government satellite, any object that does reach the surface of the Earth, should it be found, is still the property of the United States," he said.

"You do not have the luxury of trying to sell it on eBay."

But where it falls does make a difference. If it lands within the boundaries of the United States, then "U.S. laws and regulations apply," Johnson said.

Should UARS drop debris outside the U.S. however, then the United Nations (UN) becomes involved.

"If it lands outside the United States, then it is covered by a UN convention. What that convention says is that the United States can request that that object be returned to it. And If the country where it fell is a signatory to that convention, then they are obligated to return it, although the United States has to pay for the transportation cost," Johnson said.

The convention, the "Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies" or more simply, the "Outer Space Treaty," entered into force in October 1967. According to the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, 100 nations are party to the treaty.

"The United States can and has in the past requested the return of objects. But it's our option. It is not a requirement they be returned," Johnson said.

The U.S., for example, did not request the return of the debris from Skylab when it fell over the Australian outback in 1979. Pieces of the fallen space station were later sold as souvenirs and commercial collectibles.

But not all spacecraft debris has been released to become mementos, or for that matter, hot tubs.

"A component from a European launch vehicle washed ashore near Corpus Christi [Texas] and someone in the area found it on the beach. It looked like a nose cone from one of the booster rockets for the Ariane [launch vehicle]," Johnson said.

"He actually wanted to keep it and put it in his backyard and make a hot tub out of it. We however, convinced him with help from our colleagues at the Department of Justice that that was not an option. We did retrieve that object," Johnson said.

"We would do the same thing for any objects recovered in the United States from UARS."

Wizjp's link seems to indicate that the USA would lay claim to it. Meanwhile, use the fact that it landed in your garden to make some money out of it. Sell your story to the highest bidding newspaper, along with photos. Insist that the US Embassy retrieve it and pay compensation for any damage caused. Perhaps you can get the whole garden made over by them. Alternately, it might make a good TV programme -- how to sort out your garden when it has been devastasted by fall-out from outer space. Your garden could become famous -- and you with it.

No, whats left of the satellite still belongs to NASA and if it lands in you garden don't forget it may still be radioactive

Not before you get your cheesy photo taken standing in your PJ's beside the garden shed holding up your prize piece of metal.

I thought it was landing here in Australia, do we have a deal? You take care of shipping and it's all yours!

no it is illegal. the satellite technically is owned by those who sent it up, and selling it is selling of stolen goods. you have to hand it over to the original owner

Sell it to china, and make some pretty pennies for yourself.

If it lands on my property, no one will hear about it.

no, that scrap belongs to Her Majesty's.

FOR SELLING YOU ARE NOT THERE