The two software tools MASTER-2009 and ORDEM2010 are the ESA and NASA reference software tools respectively which describe the earth's debris environment. The primary goal of both programs is to allow users to estimate the object flux onto a target object for mission planning. The current paper describes the basic distinctions in the model philosophies. At the core of each model lies the method by which the object environment is established. Cen-tral to this process is the role played by the results from radar/telescope observations or impact fluxes on surfaces returned from earth orbit. The ESA Meteoroid and Space Debris Terrestrial Environment Reference Model (MASTER) is engineered to give a realistic description of the natural and the man-made particulate environment of the earth. Debris sources are simulated based on detailed lists of known historical events such as fragmentations or solid rocket motor firings or through simulation of secondary debris such as impact ejecta or the release of paint flakes from degrading spacecraft surfaces. The resulting population is then validated against historical telescope/radar campaigns using the ESA Program for Radar and Optical Observa-tion Forecasting (PROOF) and against object impact fluxes on surfaces returned from space. The NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM) series is designed to provide reliable estimates of orbital debris flux on spacecraft and through telescope or radar fields-of-view. Central to the model series is the empirical nature of the input populations. These are derived from NASA orbital debris modeling but verified, where possible, with measurement data from various sources. The latest version of the series, ORDEM2010, compiles over two decades of data from NASA radar systems, telescopes, in-situ sources, and ground tests that are analyzed by statistical methods. For increased understanding of the application ranges of the two programs, the current paper provides an overview of the two models' main program features and the methods by which simulation results are presented. This paper is written in a combined effort by ESA and NASA.