Exploring services enabled by HAPS  

The UNISPHERE project aims at using high altitude pseudo satellite platforms (HAPS) in order to combine nearly unlimited endurance with high temporal and spatial resolution. It is a new platform which complements existing services such as satellites, terrestrial infrastructure, conventional aircraft and drones. A successful market entry for HAPS depends on the identification of early technically and economically sustainable business cases but several major HAPS applications have been studied: broadband telecommunication; communication relay for RPAS; maritime and border surveillance; and flight management. Worldwide HAPS operations depend on satellite navigation and satellite communications as controlling a complex platform and operating a payload for prolonged time is a core capability of the space industry.