HAP Networks for the Future: Applications in Sensing, Computing, and Communication

TL;DR

This paper reviews the role of High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) in future communication networks, emphasizing their applications in sensing, computing, and communication, and discusses current challenges and future research directions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive survey of HAP network applications, analyzing their capabilities, challenges, and potential in next-generation communication systems.

Findings

HAPs offer broad coverage and unique capabilities for non-terrestrial networks.

Current challenges include data processing, performance, and regulatory issues.

Future research is needed to enhance deployment and integration of HAPs.

Abstract

High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) are a major advancement in non-terrestrial networks, offering broad coverage and unique capabilities. They form a vital link between satellite systems and terrestrial networks and play a key role in next-generation communication technologies. This study reviews HAP network applications, focusing on advanced airborne communications, integrated sensing, and airborne informatics. Our survey assesses the current state of HAP-centric applications by examining data processing, network performance, computational and storage requirements, economic feasibility, and regulatory challenges. The analysis highlights the evolving role of HAPs in global communication and identifies future research directions to support their deployment.