Examines the methods we can use to characterize orbital debris, estimates the magnitude of the debris population, and assesses the hazard that this population poses to spacecraft. This report also takes a close look at the projected future growth in the debris population and evaluates approaches to reducing that growth.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Space operations and the space environment -- 2. Methods for characterization -- 3. Debris population distribution -- 4. Hazards to space operations from debris -- 5. Tools for damage assessment and prediction -- 6. Designing for the debris environment -- 7. Techniques to reduce the future debris hazard -- 8. The future orbital population and the effectiveness of debris reduction measures -- 9. Recommendations -- Appendixes -- a. Space law and orbital debris b. Workshop on space debris -- list of acronyms -- unit conversions -- glossary -- index