How dangerous is space debris?

Space is a contested area. World powers and private corporations alike are launching more and more rockets and satellites into space. But these constructions all leave behind scrap metal, which continues to orbit the earth at high speed. For almost 60 years, Americans, Russians, numerous other nations and an increasing number of private companies have been launching rockets and satellites into space. Once these rockets and satellites exceed their lifespan, they usually remain in orbit. Millions of pieces of debris are now orbiting hundreds of kilometers above our heads, at breakneck speed.