In brief: Although extremely unlikely, the legitimate question of who pays if a NASA satellite falling to earth hits someone's home or business is being asked.
The full story
Sometime today or tomorrow, NASA expects their Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite to re-enter the earth's atmosphere, break into several hundred pieces, and fall to earth. Some of those pieces could weigh hundreds of pounds.
Although the chances of a piece of the UARS hitting a home, business, or even populated area are slim, many in the southwest are asking what the scenario would be.
NASA has not given any official word, but most likely, the federal government would pay compensation, though it is not necessarily obligated to do so as there is no precedent or policy in place. The closest policy is that of the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects which obligates the government to pay for damages caused by space agency objects falling to earth in other nations.
The other good news is that most building owners and homeowners are double-covered through their existing property insurance coverages - which are likely obligated to pay, depending on the policy. The insurance company would be the one who would have to pursue recompense from the U.S. government rather than the property owner.
Summing up
In short, while the possibility of space debris hitting someone's home, business, or other property is extremely slim, if it does happen, it's likely covered.
Photo credits: NASA
