Re:Remember... Finders Keepers... NOT. (Score 4, Informative)

Let me guess: you're not a lawyer, but play one on TV? The laws of salvage do not apply. In fact, according to the relevant U.N. treaty

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.

Plus the applicable U.S. code

"Whoever embezzles, steals, purloins, or knowingly converts to his use or the use of another, or without authority, sells, conveys or disposes of any record, voucher, money, or thing of value of the United States or of any department or agency thereof, or any property made or being made under contract for the United States or any department or agency thereof; or..."

NASA has never relinquished control of the spacecraft, in case you hadn't noticed.

I am not a lawyer, nor do I suffer fools lightly...