ESA

The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization with 22 members that deals with space exploration. Founded in 1975 and based in Paris, ESA employs around 2,200 people and has an annual budget of 7.8 billion euros for 2024.

 

Hartwig was responsible for institutional relations and between ESA and ArianeGroup as well as with European partners on institutional and industrial level with a focus on commercial space, human spaceflight, robotics and exploration.

 

ArianeGroup

ArianeGroup is an aerospace company based in France and Germany. The company was founded in 2015 as a joint venture between Airbus Defence and Space and Safran. ArianeGroup is Prime- contractor for Ariane 6 launcher (Ariane 62 & Ariane 64) and is a strong provider of In-space propulsion from their sites in Lampoldshausen & Bremen.

 

As Director for all exploration activities within ArianeGroup, Hartwig was the primary contact with ESA and the national agencies in Europe and was also responsible for transatlantic international cooperation with authorities and companies in the USA.

 

DLR

DLR is the German-Space-Agency at DLR as well as the national aeronautics and space research centre of the Federal Republic of Germany. Its extensive research and development work in aeronautics, space, energy, transport and security is integrated into national and international cooperative ventures.

 

Within ArianeGroup, Hartwig was responsible for institutional relations between ArianeGroup and the DLR agency with a focus on institutional and commercial propulsion programmes. His responsibilities also included cooperation with the DLR research institutes for rocket engine tests on ESA test stands.

HM – Hochschule München – University of applied Science

Munich University of Applied Sciences had around 18,000 students and is therefor one of the largest universities in Germany. It offers space education for nearly all space technologies and updated courses in astronautics and satellite systems. Students engage in practical projects and internships with industry leaders and space agencies. Workshops and conferences foster innovation, preparing students for impactful careers in space science and engineering.

 

Since 2019, Hartwig has been a lecturer at University Faculty 3/Aerospace in the fields of satellite and spacecraft in-orbit-propulsion - from basic understanding to complex propulsion systems for satellites and exploration missions.

 

deltaVision

DeltaVision is a start-up specializing in fluid management systems. The company designs, develops and produce valves and associated control electronics in-house. From precision valves and pressure regulators to electric pumps, fluidic thermal management systems for large satellites and in-orbit refuelling, deltaVision is shaping the future of fluid control for advanced space applications.

 

Engineering & Consulting H.E. is supporting deltaVision with its expertise in business development & Strategy as well as establishing enabling relationships to agencies and institutional customers.

 

AMDC

AMDC is a manufacturer independent engineering service provider focused on future technologies. Key activities include the analysis, conception and prototype development of innovative systems in the areas of aerospace, machine learning, defence and computational engineering.

 

Engineering & Consulting H.E. is using its propulsion expertise to support AMDC in the development of a green propulsion system for space applications. This system uses non toxic propellants, which simplifies the handling and safety of propellants during launch preparations.

 

HTGF Gründerfond

The High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is a German seed investor that finances high-potential, technology-driven startups. With a focus on innovative business models and disruptive technologies, HTGF provides early-stage funding and support to startups, helping them to develop and scale their businesses in various industries.

 

Engineering & Consulting H.E. conducts technical and commercial evaluations of space propulsion startups for HTGF, assessing the technological maturity, innovation potential and commercial viability of their technologies and business models.

 

 

The Exploration Company

The Exploration Company (TEC) specializes in cutting-edge exploration ventures, utilizing advanced technologies and expertise to uncover valuable resources and opportunities. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, TEC pioneer exploration projects across diverse terrains, driving forward scientific discovery and economic development while prioritizing environmental stewardship.

 

The Exploration Company relies on Engineering & Consulting H.E.’s extensive expertise in test facilities and test operations, particularly in the review of test facility designs, safety assessments and risk mitigation. This expertise supports the safe development, commissioning and operation of TEC’s test facilities, ensuring that appropriate safety standards and engineering best practices are applied throughout the process.

DeltaOrbit

DeltaOrbit (DO) is a start-up company that offers an orbital manoeuvring vehicle (OMV) service for the precise positioning of a CubeSat constellation in orbit. DO has developed an ignition system that allows the Methane/Oxygen engine to operate similarly to a hypergolic engine. The propulsion system includes cutting edge technologies such as zero boil off and a self pressurisation system.

 

Engineering & Consulting H.E. is supporting DeltaOrbit with its expertise in building relationships, providing support and exploring opportunities together with authorities at national and international level while establishing important key contacts with institutional and commercial customers.

 

 

Novaeka is an engineering company specializing in the design and development of test and verification facilities for space propulsion systems. Its services range from facility design and procurement to installation and commissioning, including propellant loading systems. Novaeka also offers container-based test facilities for flexible deployment and digital twin simulations to support facility design and operational planning.

 

 

From April 2025 to June 2026, Engineering & Consulting H.E. supported Novaeka in developing customer relationships with rocket engine developers and launch pad infrastructure providers, while providing engineering expertise in test facility design, operations and safety.