Pashinyan Presents Armenia’s State Award for Global Contribution to High Technology to Space Entrepreneur Kam Ghaffarian

YEREVAN — Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented the Republic of Armenia’s State Award for Global Contribution to High Technology to Dr. Kam Ghaffarian, a prominent entrepreneur and co-founder of several leading aerospace and energy companies, including X-energy, Intuitive Machines, Axiom Space, and Quantum Space.

The award ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan, Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence Davit Tadevosyan, senior government officials, lawmakers, and invited guests.

Ghaffarian, a visionary entrepreneur with more than 37 years of experience, has played a significant role in advancing space exploration, nuclear energy, and technological innovation. His companies have contributed to NASA missions, commercial space infrastructure, and the development of next-generation energy technologies.

Ghaffarian began his entrepreneurial career in 1994 by founding Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT), a company specializing in information technology, engineering, scientific applications, and mission operations for U.S. government agencies.

SGT became NASA’s second-largest engineering services contractor, supporting International Space Station (ISS) operations and astronaut training. The company eventually generated more than $500 million in annual revenue before being acquired by KBR. Earlier in his career, Ghaffarian held technical and leadership positions at Lockheed Martin, Ford Aerospace, and Loral.

As chairman of X-energy, Ghaffarian oversees a company developing advanced nuclear energy technologies for terrestrial power generation and space propulsion.

He is also co-founder and chairman of Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR), a major participant in NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, which supports scientific and technological missions to the Moon.

In addition, Ghaffarian co-founded Axiom Space, a private space infrastructure company established in 2016 to expand commercial opportunities in orbit. As executive chairman, he helps guide the company’s long-term strategy and the development of the emerging space economy.

His other ventures include Quantum Space, founded in 2021 to develop space infrastructure, and IBX, an innovation and investment company established in 2018.

Beyond his business activities, Ghaffarian is an active philanthropist and founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing scientific research and exploring the possibilities of interstellar travel.

Ghaffarian holds bachelor’s degrees in computer science and electronic engineering from The Catholic University of America and Capitol College, respectively; a master’s degree in information management sciences from George Washington University; a doctorate in management information systems from Kennedy Western University; and a doctorate in technology from Capitol Technology University.

The State Award for Global Contribution to High Technology recognizes individuals whose achievements have made a significant impact on technological innovation and scientific advancement worldwide.