Born in Alhambra, California, like many students of the era, Hartenstein's interest in technology and aerospace/technology were sparked by the space race.
Hartenstein earned Bachelor of Science degrees in aerospace engineering and mathematics from Cal Poly Pomona.
[2] In 1990, he was named President of a Hughes-owned subsidiary founded to develop direct-to-home satellite TV service, which he grew into DirecTV.
[2] In 2001, Hartenstein was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering for leadership in developing and implementing satellite digital video and data transmission systems for direct delivery into homes.
In 2007, Hartenstein received an Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for lifetime achievement, and was inducted into the Consumer Electronics Association Hall of Fame in 2008.