Early Life
Kamal Ghaffarian was born in Iran and developed a passion for space after witnessing the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969. He immigrated to the United States at age 17, beginning college at 18. Ghaffarian holds multiple degrees: B.S. degrees in engineering from the Catholic University of America and Capitol Technology University, an M.Sc. in Information Technology from The George Washington University, and a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems from Capitol Technology University.
Rise to Success
Ghaffarian's career began with positions at Lockheed Martin, Ford Aerospace, and Loral. In 1994, he co-founded Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT) with Harold Stinger, which became NASA's second-largest engineering services contractor. SGT was acquired by KBR in 2018 for $355 million. Ghaffarian founded X-energy in 2009 to develop advanced nuclear reactors. He co-founded Intuitive Machines in 2013 to provide lunar exploration services and launched a successful IPO via SPAC in 2023. Axiom Space, which he co-founded in 2016, is developing the first commercial space station.
Key Business Strategies
Ghaffarian's business strategy focuses on innovation in the space and energy sectors. His approach involves leveraging his expertise to bridge government contracts with private innovation, aiming to create transformative technologies and building strong government relationships. His ventures have a common goal: to advance space exploration and develop sustainable energy solutions.
Philanthropy
Ghaffarian is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting education, STEM initiatives, and scientific research. He established the Limitless Space Institute in 2019, a non-profit focused on interstellar space exploration. He is also a major donor to a school in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. He serves on the Innovation Board for X-Prize.