Orbital debris, also known as space junk, refers to non-functional objects in Earth's orbit. This includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegration. As more satellites are launched, the amount of debris increases, posing risks to operational spacecraft. The presence of orbital debris can lead to dangerous collisions, which may create even more debris. Organizations like NASA and the European Space Agency monitor this debris to protect active satellites and the International Space Station. Efforts are underway to develop technologies for debris removal and to establish guidelines for responsible space activities.