posted 08-29-2018 03:59 PM               

This is the aerodynamic nose cone from the mission to resupply the International Space Station that was launched on 10 January 2015. It was boosted into space and then ejected from the launch vehicle once it was out of Earth's atmosphere. That occurred at a speed of 8,200 kph and an altitude 117 km. Three days later, it was found in international waters off the Bahamas and, therefore, has no recorded title. It was damaged when it struck the water after re-entry.

posted 08-29-2018 05:56 PM               

Three days later, it was found in international waters off the Bahamas and, therefore, has no recorded title...

Title to recovered space debris is ruled by the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, specifically Article VIII:

A State Party to the Treaty on whose registry an object launched into outer space is carried shall retain jurisdiction and control over such object, and over any personnel thereof, while in outer space or on a celestial body.

Ownership of objects launched into outer space, including objects landed or constructed on a celestial body, and of their component parts, is not affected by their presence in outer space or on a celestial body or by their return to the Earth. Such objects or component parts found beyond the limits of the State Party to the Treaty on whose registry they are carried shall be returned to that State Party, which shall, upon request, furnish identifying data prior to their return.

As such, any fallen space debris remains the legal property of the originating nation (or organization within the nation) until it explicitly releases ownership.

posted 08-29-2018 08:27 PM               

States Parties to the Treaty shall bear international responsibility for national activities in outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, whether such activities are carried on by governmental agencies or by non-governmental entities, and for assuring that national activities are carried out in conformity with the provisions set forth in the present Treaty.