HAPS-ISAC for 6G: Architecture, Design Trade-offs, and a Practical Roadmap
Parisa Kanani, Mohammad Javad Omidi, Mahmoud Modarres-Hashemi, and Halim Yanikomeroglu

TL;DR
This paper proposes a HAPS-based integrated sensing and communication architecture for 6G networks, combining high-altitude platforms and UAVs to enhance performance, sensing, and coverage in large-scale environments.
Contribution
It introduces a novel HAPS-ISAC system architecture, analyzes design trade-offs, and provides a practical deployment roadmap for 6G applications.
Findings
Significant performance improvements over UAV-only systems
Enhanced sensing accuracy and network fairness
Feasible deployment strategies for smart city environments
Abstract
To meet the ambitious goals of next-generation 6G networks, including ultra-high data rates and ubiquitous coverage, we propose a novel high-altitude platform station (HAPS)-based integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) architecture. Operating in the stratosphere, the HAPS functions as both a powerful communication hub and an advanced environmental sensor. Combined with a fleet of cooperative uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), this dual-purpose system forms a scalable and intelligent 3D network. Simulation results indicate that this approach significantly boosts network performance, improves sensing accuracy, and ensures a fairer service distribution across users, outperforming conventional UAV-only baselines. We conclude by outlining the prospective applications and a deployment roadmap for this technology for smart cities and other large-scale environments.
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