Antenna Implementations for High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) and considerations for future designs

Abstract

This paper examines antenna implementations for the different communication links in a HAPS network i.e. service, inter-HAPS and feeder links. In this context, antenna implementation covers form-factor, size, steering and platform mounting templates. Antenna implementations vary significantly from one HAPS platform to another including proprietary and regulatory induced variations. Achieving the levels of link stability and performance demanded by current digital trends involves a steep technology and cost curve. This work proposes standardisation of HAPS antenna implementation to harmonise how antennas are implemented from design to installation. Accelerating the adoption of HAPS will require innovation at all levels of the HAPS technology value chain and antenna implementation is high up this chain.