Space Coast's New Power Broker: Craig Bridges Port and Aerospace Futures

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – December 12, 2025 – In a move that underscores the deepening symbiosis between Florida’s maritime and aerospace sectors, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Carol Craig, the founder and CEO of Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU), to the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners. The appointment places a prominent space industry entrepreneur and defense technology leader at the governance table of one of the world's most dynamic economic hubs, signaling a strategic pivot for a region where rocket launches are as integral to the landscape as cruise ships.

Craig, a U.S. Navy veteran and trailblazing female executive, fills the vacancy left by the recent passing of Commissioner Wayne Justice, a respected retired U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral. While Justice brought decades of maritime and military leadership to the role, Craig's appointment introduces a different, yet equally critical, expertise: an intimate, C-suite-level understanding of the burgeoning commercial space industry that increasingly relies on the port's unique capabilities. This decision is more than just filling a seat; it’s a deliberate fusion of leadership, designed to navigate the complex future where sea lanes and space lanes intersect.

A Port at the Crossroads of Commerce and Cosmos

Port Canaveral is no longer just a gateway to the Caribbean; it is a critical nexus for the global economy and America's ambitions in space. Having recently claimed the title of the world's busiest cruise port with 8.6 million passengers in fiscal year 2025, its economic might is undeniable. Cruise revenue is projected to top $182 million, complemented by a robust cargo operation that handled 6.6 million tons of commodities in the previous year. To manage this explosive growth, the Port Authority is executing a staggering $912 million five-year Capital Improvement Plan, a figure that has nearly doubled in less than two years, funding everything from new parking garages to expanded cargo berths.

Beneath the surface of this traditional maritime success, however, a new identity has taken root. The port has become the indispensable ground support for the Space Coast's launch providers. Its strategic location offers a “quintamodal” advantage, where sea, land, air, and rail converge to support the space industry. In 2024 alone, SpaceX offloaded 69 recovered rocket boosters and 165 payload fairings at Port Canaveral, turning the harbor into a high-tech triage center for reusable spacecraft. Companies like Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance (ULA) also depend on the port for launch and recovery logistics, leasing land and facilities for everything from vessel maintenance to booster transport.

This operational reality has transformed the port into a vital link in the space supply chain. The appointment of an aerospace CEO to its board is a formal recognition of this evolution, suggesting a future where infrastructure decisions are made with a direct line of sight into the needs of the space economy.

A Trailblazer Takes the Helm

Carol Craig’s journey to the Port Authority board is as unconventional as it is impressive. Her career is a testament to breaking barriers. As a U.S. Navy veteran, she was among the first women eligible to fly in combat aircraft, serving as the first female aviator in her P-3C Orion squadron. This military background provides a foundation in disciplined operations and strategic planning that complements the port's defense-related activities.

After her service, Craig transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding Craig Technologies in 1999, an aerospace and defense contracting firm. In 2012, she founded what would become Sidus Space, a vertically integrated “Space-as-a-Service” company. She guided Sidus through its IPO in 2021, becoming one of the first female founders to take a space company public. This experience gives her a rare perspective on the entire lifecycle of a technology enterprise—from startup grit to the demands of public markets and shareholder accountability.

Her extensive record of public service, having served on over 30 boards including the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast and the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida, demonstrates a long-standing commitment to regional economic development. This blend of military discipline, entrepreneurial success, and civic engagement positions her to be a uniquely influential voice on a board tasked with steering a multi-billion-dollar economic engine.

Forging the Future of the Space Supply Chain

Craig’s appointment is poised to have immediate, practical implications for the port's strategic direction. With an insider's knowledge of aerospace logistics, she can help anticipate the infrastructure demands of next-generation rockets, larger recovery fleets, and the expanding on-shore manufacturing and processing facilities required to support a higher launch cadence. Her presence ensures that the space industry's needs are not just an afterthought in capital planning but a central pillar of the port's growth strategy.

In her own words, Craig recognizes this critical role. “I am honored to be sworn in as Commissioner and to have the opportunity to serve Brevard County constituents and advocate for the space and defense industry at Port Canaveral,” she stated following her appointment. “The Port continues to be a critical partner in America’s space supply chain, fuel transit, and most recently, in launch and recovery operations for companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and ULA. Having the aerospace sector represented on the Board is essential as these activities expand and strengthen Florida’s position as a leader in both maritime and space operations.”

This perspective is vital as the port considers future developments, such as dedicated berths for space industry vessels or specialized crane and transport systems. Craig’s expertise can help de-risk these investments and ensure they are precisely aligned with industry requirements, potentially accelerating the port's ability to attract further aerospace investment and solidify its competitive advantage.

Navigating Synergy and Scrutiny

The appointment of a sitting CEO to a regulatory and governing body naturally brings both powerful synergies and questions of oversight. The clear synergy is that Craig's direct industry knowledge can inform smarter, more effective governance. She understands the pain points, operational hurdles, and strategic opportunities facing companies that use the port, enabling the board to be more proactive and responsive.

However, this dual role also invites scrutiny. As CEO of Sidus Space and Craig Technologies, she will have to navigate Florida’s stringent ethics laws, which govern potential conflicts of interest. Should her companies ever seek to do business with the Port Authority—whether through leases, contracts, or other partnerships—she would be required to recuse herself from related votes and discussions. Given her extensive experience in public service, this is a familiar tightrope for Craig. Her long history on various economic development and industry boards suggests a leader adept at balancing private enterprise with public duty.

Ultimately, her appointment is a calculated risk that the benefits of her deep industry expertise will far outweigh the challenges of managing potential conflicts. It represents a modern approach to governance, embedding industry leadership directly within the public institutions that support it. For the Space Coast, this alignment could be the catalyst that propels its integrated sea-space economy into a new orbit of innovation and growth, setting a powerful precedent for how other regions might manage the convergence of legacy and future-facing industries.