Dr. Om Bahethi, founder of the Bahethi Family Foundation and Science Systems and Applications, Inc (SSAI).

Om was more than a brilliant and visionary leader—he was a kind soul who believed deeply in the power of knowledge to transform lives. For nearly 48 years, he built SSAI into a beacon of excellence in Earth and space science, helping shape our understanding of the world and the universe. His work with NASA and NOAA embodied his passion for discovery and his dedication to advancing humanity’s collective knowledge.

Through philanthropy, scholarships, and the Bahethi Family Foundation, Om extended this vision into communities that needed it most. He was a fierce advocate for equity in STEM education, ensuring that underserved students could access the opportunities they deserved. His mission was not just about creating opportunities—it was about empowering others to create their own paths and to pay it forward, just as he always did.

Om’s legacy is woven into the lives he touched, the futures he helped build, and the spirit of curiosity and generosity he left behind. While words cannot capture the full impact of his life, we hope to honor his memory by continuing the work he cared so deeply about.