Episode 881: Kam Ghaffarian on the Future of Space Travel

Newt's World

Gingrich 360

News, Politics

4.7 • 6.3K Ratings

🗓️ 17 August 2025

⏱️ 34 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Newt talks with Kam Ghaffarian, Executive Chairman of Axiom Space about the future of commercial space travel. Kam is a visionary space and energy entrepreneur, and the driving force behind several companies’ advancing human civilization, including Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines, X Energy, and IBX. As the Executive Chairman of Axiom Space, Kam is leading the development of the first private commercial space station to replace the International Space Station. His journey began in Iran, inspired by the moon landing, and led him to the U.S., where he founded Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, a major NASA contractor. Kam's ventures focus on space commercialization and nuclear power solutions, with X Energy pioneering small modular reactors crucial for AI and energy needs. Axiom Space's missions have united astronauts from diverse countries, fostering international collaboration. Kam's partnerships with companies like Oakley and Prada highlight the commercial potential of space. He advocates for a shift from government-led to commercial-led space activities, emphasizing the urgency of maintaining U.S. space dominance amid global competition.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	This is an IHeart podcast.
0:09.0	On this episode of NUTS World,
0:11.0	Cam Gafferian is the visionary space and energy entrepreneur
0:15.0	behind several companies dedicated to furthering human civilization,
0:20.0	including Axiom Space. After co-, including Axiom Space.
0:21.7	After co-founding Axiom Space in 2016 to unlock Space's potential for innovation through
0:27.7	commercialization, he serves as executive chairman of the board and a key strategic advisor on the
0:33.5	development of the space economy. Cam started his entrepreneurial career in 1994 by founding Stinger-Gafarian Technologies Inc.
0:42.4	SGT became NASA's second largest engineering services contractor,
0:47.2	providing operations for the International Space Station and astronaut training support,
0:52.6	driven by his mission to advance the state of humanity and human
0:56.4	knowledge, Cam has created organizations transforming the space and energy sectors.
1:01.9	In addition to co-founding Axiom Space, his other companies include intuitive machines,
1:07.5	X Energy, and IBX.
1:10.1	Cam is also an active philanthropist and founder of a nonprofit focused on scientific research
1:15.0	and enabling interstellar travel.
1:17.3	I should say, by the way, he's also a neighbor of mine, a very good friend and a remarkable person.
1:21.6	Thank you. Cam, welcome and thank you for joining me in Newts World.
1:36.5	Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. It's such a pleasure to be with you.
1:40.3	You're just great, and you're always fun. You have an amazing number of ideas every week.
1:44.5	But let's start at the beginning because I think your background is fascinating and a good example of why America is unique.
1:50.9	You were born in Iran and then what happened?
	...

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