Sidus Space, an innovative space and defense technology company, announced that its Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Chair, Carol Craig, has been appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners. Craig will serve the remainder of the term previously held by Commissioner Wayne Justice (RADM, USCG Ret), who passed away in November.

The Orlando Sentinel reported that Governor DeSantis “leaned on a local aerospace company’s CEO to fill the void”. As founder and CEO of Sidus Space and Craig Technologies, Craig has played a significant role in advancing Florida’s position as a leader in space and defense technology and manufacturing. Since relocating to Brevard County in 2004, she has witnessed the evolution of the Space Coast and believes its growth is only just beginning.

“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,” said Craig. “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.”

Craig founded Sidus Space in 2012 (previously Craig Technologies Aerospace Solutions) and took the company public on the Nasdaq in 2021, becoming one of the first female founders to lead a space-based company through an IPO. Based on Florida’s Space Coast, Sidus Space offers core capabilities that include dual use satellite manufacturing & technology integration, AI products and services, space and defense hardware components and space-based data solutions. ​​In addition to Sidus, Craig also founded Craig Technologies in 1999, an aerospace and defense contracting firm delivering advanced engineering solutions. As a U.S. Navy veteran, Craig was one of the first women eligible to fly in combat aircraft and served as the first female aviator in her P-3C Orion squadron.

Craig holds a B.A. in Computer Science from Knox College, a B.S. in Computer Science Engineering from the University of Illinois, and an M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Craig is currently pursuing an MBA with a specialization in finance at the Florida Institute of Technology.

Craig is actively involved in her community, serving on multiple boards including the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida, the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, and the Florida Institute of Technology College of Engineering Advisory Board. She has previously served on more than 30 boards including Enterprise Florida, National Defense Industrial Association, and the Florida Chamber Small Business Council.

Source: BUSINESS WIRE