Breaking Defense was given exclusive space tracking information showing the unique path of the Russian system, one experts say is the reason for US government warnings about space-based nuclear weapons.
"I don't see another obvious explanation other than it was a weapons test," said Brian Weeden of the Secure World Foundation.
As threats rapidly evolve, digital engineering, manufacturing capacity and robust supply chains are critical to meeting challenges.
"I think maybe there is a mutual assured destruction in space," Rep. Lamborn said, "where no one will go there because the consequences will be too severe."