Moscow, Inst . Space. Research RAS, 2012, 192 pages . - ISSN 2075-6836 . The urgency of the problem of space debris is due to the increasing clogging of near-Earth space, a decrease in the quality of spacecraft functioning under its influence and their failure, collisions and explosions of space objects. Overview of the problem. The means used to observe space debris are described, their capabilities are estimated. The general state of clogging of near-Earth space and its individual areas is highlighted, various factors and events that caused its clogging are analyzed. The assessment of the ongoing debris formation is given, its main sources and mechanisms are shown, the most important patterns are considered. Based on the results of studies and trends of clogging, a forecast of the development of this process and its negative consequences is given. Possible ways to reduce the rate of space debris. Assessment of the prospects for combating this dangerous phenomenon. Keywords: space, ecology, space activities, space debris, technogenic, spacecraft, artificial Earth satellite, observations, negative consequences.