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High-altitude platforms for wireless communications
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2001
Year
Wireless CommunicationsCapacity LimitationsEngineeringAerospace EngineeringSatellite CommunicationAntennaSatellite SystemsHigh-altitude PlatformsSpace-air-ground Integrated NetworkRadio CommunicationNon-terrestrial NetworkWireless PropagationRadio PropagationLast MileSpace CommunicationSatellite Network
High‑capacity wireless demand, especially for the last mile, is constrained by terrestrial line‑of‑sight limits and satellite capacity, prompting interest in high‑altitude platforms operating up to 22 km that combine terrestrial and satellite advantages. The study outlines the application and features of high‑altitude platforms and examines specific development programmes, with a focus on their role in future broadband wireless delivery. The authors describe the design and operational characteristics of HAPs and detail the development programmes that support their deployment.
The demand for high-capacity wireless services is bringing increasing challenges, especially for delivery of the "last mile". Terrestrially, the need for line-of-sight propagation paths represents a constraint unless very large numbers of base-station masts are deployed, while satellite systems have capacity limitations. An emerging solution is offered by high-altitude platforms (HAPs) operating in the stratosphere at altitudes of up to 22 km to provide communication facilities that can exploit the best features of both terrestrial and satellite schemes. This paper outlines the application and features of HAPs, and some specific development programmes. Particular consideration is given to the use of HAPs for delivery of future broadband wireless communications.