High-Altitude Platform Station Systems - The long and uncertain road to the market of balloons and drones

Abstract

While much attention in recent years has been cast on the development of LEO satellite constellations to provide connectivity in remote or hard-to-serve areas, high-altitude platform station systems is an interesting concept that still needs to demonstrate its advertised benefits.

In this report, we thus explain what HAPS are and how they differ from other initiatives such as LEO or GEO satellites. We then review what players in the value chain are doing and the current status of the major existing projects.

We finally give an overview of the dynamic behind the development of this market, and its drivers and barriers.

Content

1. Executive Summary
2. The concept of the high-altitude platform station system
2.1. The context
2.2. High-altitude platform station system (HAPS) explained
2.3. HAPS vs LEO vs MEO
3. Market players and outlook
3.1. The HAPS connectivity market value chain
3.2. Comparison of various players on the value chain
3.3. Google
3.4. Facebook
3.5. Airbus Zephyr
3.6. Thales Alenia Space and the Stratobus platform
3.7. Drivers and barriers to HAPS development