Kamal Ghaffarian

$3.18 B

Ranked #1294 in World

About Kamal Ghaffarian

Iranian-born American entrepreneur Kamal Ghaffarian, acclaimed for his pioneering efforts in the space and new energy sectors, has markedly influenced technology and exploration. With an illustrious career that includes founding significant ventures such as IBX, Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines, X-energy, and Quantum Space, Ghaffarian's journey from a passionate young observer of the Apollo 11 Moon landing to a leading figure in space innovation encapsulates a blend of ambition and scientific curiosity. Educated in the United States with degrees in Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, Information Management, and a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems, he has also dedicated himself to philanthropy, particularly in education and STEM. Ghaffarian's ventures have significantly advanced the aerospace industry, notably with Intuitive Machines' robotic moon landing in 2024, despite navigational challenges, marking a milestone in his career and potentially earning him billionaire status in early 2023 after a successful SPAC merger. His roles have encompassed technical and managerial positions across esteemed organizations, including Lockheed Martin and NASA, contributing profoundly to his sectors of interest.

Born

April 28, 1958

Age

67 years

Source Of Wealth

Space, Energy

Industries

Energy

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Naples, Florida

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Catholic University of America; Master, George Washington University

Kamal Ghaffarian, also known as Kam, was born in Iran. His passion for space was ignited at a young age when he watched the Apollo 11 Moon landing. This pivotal moment shaped his future aspirations and set him on a path towards the space industry.

Kamal Ghaffarian: Family

There is no information provided about Kamal Ghaffarian's family.

Kamal Ghaffarian: Career Highlights

Kamal Ghaffarian's career is marked by significant achievements and contributions to the space industry and new energy technologies.

Worked for Lockheed Martin during college, doing contract work for NASA.
Held technical and management positions at companies like Ford Aerospace and Loral.
Launched Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT) in 1994 with Harold Stinger, which became NASA's second-largest engineering services contractor.
SGT was acquired by KBR for $355 million in February 2018.
Founded X-energy LLC in 2009, designing high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactors.
Co-founded Intuitive Machines in 2013, a company focused on lunar exploration and commercial space missions.
Co-founded Axiom Space in 2016 with Michael Suffredini, aiming to develop private space missions and facilities.
Appointed to the Nuclear Energy Institute's Board of Directors in October 2019.
Co-founded Quantum Space in 2020, building satellites for communications, navigation, and space domain awareness in cislunar space.
Became a billionaire in the first quarter of 2023 after Intuitive Machines' SPAC merger and subsequent share price increase.
Intuitive Machines' robotic lander successfully landed on the moon on February 22, 2024, with some autonomous navigation issues.

Kamal Ghaffarian: Companies

Kamal Ghaffarian has been involved in the establishment and leadership of several companies, including:

Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT)
X-energy LLC
Intuitive Machines
Axiom Space
Quantum Space

Kamal Ghaffarian: Major Achievements

Kamal Ghaffarian's major achievements include:

Growing Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT) into NASA's second-largest engineering services contractor.
Designing high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactors through X-energy LLC.
Co-founding Intuitive Machines, which successfully landed a robotic lander on the moon in 2024.

Co-founding Axiom Space, focused on private space missions and facilities.
Becoming a billionaire in the first quarter of 2023 due to the success of Intuitive Machines.

Kamal Ghaffarian: Awards & Achievements

Kamal Ghaffarian has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions, including:

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2001.
Inc. Magazine's "Inc. 500" list of fastest-growing private companies in 2002.
Washington Technology Fast 50 Award in 2003.
National Space Club's Nelson P. Jackson Award in 2019.
Inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame in 2020.

Kamal Ghaffarian: Personal Life & Legacy

Kamal Ghaffarian is an active philanthropist, focusing on education, STEM initiatives, scientific research, and interstellar travel. He established the Limitless Space Institute in 2019 to promote scientific research and engage students in space exploration.

Kamal Ghaffarian: Trivia

Kamal Ghaffarian is a dual citizen of Iran and the United States. He came to the United States at the age of 17 and began college at 18. He holds dual B.S. degrees in Computer Science and Electronics Engineering, an M.Sc. in Information Management, and a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems.

Wealth History

Timeline

N/A

Kamal Ghaffarian (Kam) was born in Iran and developed a passion for space after watching the Apollo 11 Moon landing.

N/A

Kam came to the United States at age 17 and began college at 18.

N/A

Kam holds dual B.S. degrees in Computer Science and Electronics Engineering.

N/A

Kam earned an M.Sc. in Information Management and a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems.

N/A

Kam worked for Lockheed Martin during college, doing contract work for NASA.

N/A

Kam held technical and management positions at companies like Ford Aerospace and Loral.

1994

Kam launched Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT) with Harold Stinger.

N/A

SGT became NASA's second-largest engineering services contractor, generating over half a billion dollars in annual revenues.

February 2018

SGT was acquired by KBR for $355 million.

2009

Kam founded X-energy LLC, designing high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactors.

2013

Kam co-founded Intuitive Machines.

2016

Kam co-founded Axiom Space with Michael Suffredini, focusing on private space missions and facilities.

October 2019

Kam was appointed to the Nuclear Energy Institute's Board of Directors.

2020

Kam co-founded Quantum Space, building satellites for communications, navigation, and space domain awareness in cislunar space.

First quarter of 2023

Kam became a billionaire after Intuitive Machines' SPAC merger and subsequent share price increase.

February 22, 2024

Intuitive Machines' robotic lander successfully landed on the moon with some autonomous navigation issues.

Kamal Ghaffarian : FAQs

What is Kamal Ghaffarian's current net worth?

Kamal Ghaffarian's current net worth is $3.18 billion.

What is Kamal Ghaffarian's current global rank among billionaires?

Kamal Ghaffarian holds the 1294th position globally among billionaires.

What is Kamal Ghaffarian's current ranking within the United States?

Kamal Ghaffarian holds the 472nd position in United States.

What was the change in Kamal Ghaffarian's net worth compared to the previous year?

Kamal Ghaffarian's net worth increased by 418.44 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 2.77 billion dollars.

What are Kamal Ghaffarian's main sources of wealth?

Kamal Ghaffarian's main source of income comes from Space, Energy.

In which industry does Kamal Ghaffarian primarily operate?

Kamal Ghaffarian is primarily involved in the Energy industry.

What is Kamal Ghaffarian educational background?

Kamal Ghaffarian holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Catholic University of America and a Master from George Washington University.

How old is Kamal Ghaffarian?

Kamal Ghaffarian is 67 years old.

Who is Kamal Ghaffarian and what industries does he focus on?

Kamal Ghaffarian is an Iranian-born American businessman who focuses on the space industry and new energies. He is the co-founder of several landmark companies including IBX, Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines, X-energy, and Quantum Space.

What inspired Kamal Ghaffarian's passion for space, and what degrees does he hold?

Kamal Ghaffarian developed a passion for space after watching the Apollo 11 Moon landing. He holds dual B.S. degrees in Computer Science and Electronics Engineering, an M.Sc. in Information Management, and a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems.

Can you detail Kamal Ghaffarian's philanthropic efforts?

Kamal Ghaffarian is an active philanthropist focused on education, STEM initiatives, scientific research, and interstellar travel. He established the Limitless Space Institute in 2019 to support scientific research and student engagement in these fields.

What are some highlights of Kamal Ghaffarian's career in the space and energy industries?

Kamal Ghaffarian launched Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies in 1994, which became NASA's second-largest engineering services contractor. He founded X-energy LLC in 2009, co-founded Intuitive Machines in 2013, Axiom Space in 2016, and Quantum Space in 2020. His ventures span across nuclear energy and various space technologies.

How did Kamal Ghaffarian achieve billionaire status, and what are Intuitive Machines' lunar mission accomplishments?

Kamal Ghaffarian became a billionaire in the first quarter of 2023 after Intuitive Machines' SPAC merger and subsequent share price increase. Intuitive Machines' robotic lander successfully landed on the moon on February 22, 2024, despite experiencing some autonomous navigation issues.