Sven Wittig

European Space Agency (ESA) • L4 Technology Coordinator, Future Missions Department, ESA Science Directorate

Dr. Sven Wittig works as a Technology Development Coordinator in the Science Directorate at the European Space Agency (ESA), based at ESTEC in the Netherlands, where he plays a leading role in the preparation of enabling technologies for future European space science missions. His work focuses on long-term strategic technology preparation, with particular emphasis on ambitious science mission concepts.

He coordinated the preparation of key technologies for ESA’s Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), a flagship mission for space-based gravitational wave detection requiring ultra-precise metrology. His current focus is on the technology preparation for the L4 Large-class Science mission to Saturn, inluding a lander on Enceladus.

With over a decade of experience in systems engineering and technology development, Sven contributes to shaping ESA’s future science programme by identifying critical technology needs and coordinating development activities with European industry and academia. His expertise spans aerospace instrumentation, optical and laser-based sensing, quantum technologies, and Earth observation systems.

Prior to joining ESA, Sven worked as a system engineer at OHB, where he contributed as a performance engineer to the development of the next-generation meteorological satellites. Earlier, he conducted postdoctoral research at the Australian National University on cryogenic optics for quantum memories, and worked on laser-based airspeed sensing for Scramjets during his doctoral research.

Sven holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of New South Wales and a Master’s degree in Space Engineering from RWTH Aachen. He is recognized for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into technologies that underpin future space exploration missions.

Events

International Astronautical Congress 2026

5 - 9 October 2026

Antalya, Türkiye

Participation: