Model 9B

The model 9B spacecraft was developed and marketed by Rigel Independent Shipyards (RIS). The project was supervised by Kott Johansen, a brilliant but stubborn engineer working for RIS. At that time RIS was hesitant to enter the market of private spacecraft focusing mainly on large passenger craft and haulage platforms. However Johansen was convinced of its potential and eventually got management so far that they allocated budget for his project. The project was codenamed "Cuckoo".

During development of the craft a simple naming scheme was devised to identify each of the subsequent prototypes. The first prototype was called 0A, working upward to 1A, 2A etcetera. So, the 9B was in fact the twentieth model and the version that was targeted for marketing as the finished product.

Close to the completion of the project however, Johansen fell out with the management of RIS due to budget and planning issues. Just a couple of weeks before the formal introduction of the product he decided to leave RIS. With him he took vital information about the project. Also RIS discovered that the intended commercial name of the 9B was registered to Johansen himself, in stead of RIS.

In a hurry to finish the project and bring out a commercial viable product, RIS decided to baptize the craft with its latest prototype model name, "9B". The originally intended commercial name of the 9B has never been disclosed.

Shortly after leaving RIS, Johansen founded "Avente Shipyards". Avente Shipyards was was extremely successful with their Cobalt Cuckoo, a name partially referring to his work at RIS.

- From "Businesses Stories", a monthly magazine issued by Cosmopolis

Note: RIS has always denied their falling out with Johansen and issued press releases that he "just left the company to pursue other ventures". The story about the naming of the 9B has also been denied by RIS. "It's just a name, as good as any other. It's a company policy to issue non-meaningful names to products.", according to official company statements.