Delaying the service module therefore delays the whole project.

ECONOMIST: The space station

Vasily Moroz from the Russian Space Research Centre said the two sides had considered using a US-built probe with a Russian booster rocket and descent module, but that the project was drawn to a halt by funding issues.

BBC: Mars rover (Nasa)

We are seeing continued gains in both solar module shipments to installers and in shipments related to our expanding project business.

FORBES: Canadian Solar Boosts Q4 Shipment Guidance; Shares Rally

In 1998 contractors on Texaco's Petronius project accidentally dropped a 3, 600-tonne deck module into the Gulf of Mexico.

FORBES: Going deep

If the project is approved, engineers would hope to have the propulsion unit, or service module, ready to fly on the American rocket's first test flight.

BBC: European tech could propel Nasa's Orion capsule

The almost zodiac-like craft has been an ongoing project over recent years, and contains a fully automated system which the Navy calls a "Precision Engagement Module" which uses an Mk-49 mounting with a dual missile launcher manufactured by Rafael.

ENGADGET: US Navy tests first 11-meter missile-firing sea drone (video)