But it was all delivered in the militaristic speak of "light, medium and heavy ordnance" - a language familiar to the general but not easily understood by others - especially those listening in at Ulster Unionist headquarters.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Northern Ireland | Analysis: Why deal stalled

At the same time, the group looked for engineers with the right expertise and language skills, and tracked heavy equipment around the globe, including big machines belonging to subcontractors in the region.

FORBES: Contacts For Contracts

At least some of the incoming Republican panel chairmen and other senior GOP lawmakers, these officials said, may view the proposed test flight as circumventing congressional language to quickly develop a new heavy-lift NASA rocket able to transport astronauts past low-earth orbit.

WSJ: Lockheed Martin Sees Space Capsule Test Flight in 2013