“This is further evidence of Russia’s continuing efforts to develop and test space-based systems, and consistent with the Kremlin’s published military doctrine to employ weapons that hold U.S. and allied space assets at risk.”

Details about the administration's Missile Defence Review - the first compiled since 2010 - are expected to be released during President Donald Trump's visit to the Pentagon.

The U.S. Department of Defense says the development of anti-satellite laser weapons by China and Russia is among the key concerns necessitating the need for a U.S. Space Force.