The level of near earth space contamination with orbital fragments has been evaluated. Basic research lines to solve the “space debris” problem have been analyzed. Definite proposals on international cooperation have been presented.

The problem of near earth orbit pollution with rocket and space technology fragments is of global character and concerns many countries. For the 35 year period of space exploration more than 20, 000 orbital man-made objects measuring more than 10-20 cm have been registered using available onground tracking systems. Depending on their orbits and masses, some of these objects and fragments entered the upper atmosphere and burnt, while the rest continued their space flight. Specialized optical-electronic and radio systems functionally integrated into a single space monitoring Service observe orbital objects constantly. This Service controls the given systems and performs centralized automated data processing and cataloging of information supplied by the systems.

At the present moment the near earth orbits accommodate about 6700 observed artificial objects: 36% of them represent used spacecraft and rocket stages, 58% separated elements and fragments, produced by spacecraft and rocket stage explosions, and only 6% are active spacecraft.

The bulk of “space debris” is the result of Soviet and American spacecraft launches. The share of both countries is approximately equal. While more used spacecraft and launch vehicle stages fall to the share of the ex-USSR, the US is responsible for two-thirds of trackable fragments, remaining in orbit after space object explosions.