By Dr. Ogbonnaya Anicho, CEng, MIET, FHEA, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, Liverpool Hope University
Introduction
Around the world, societies are becoming increasingly dependent on reliable and resilient connectivity. From supporting healthcare delivery in remote regions to enabling disaster response, education, and economic growth, access to communications infrastructure has become as vital as electricity or water. Yet, today, 2.6 billion people remain unconnected to the Internet [1], and even advanced economies are vulnerable to disruption, as demonstrated by events such as submarine cable failures (over 200 annually [2]) or satellite outages.
High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) stand out as a promising technology in this landscape. By operating in the stratosphere, HAPS systems combine the flexibility of uncrewed aerial systems with the coverage potential of satellites. They are uniquely positioned to support both connectivity and earth observation applications. When combined with advances in AI-driven autonomy and multi-agent systems, they can unlock new levels of adaptability, efficiency, and resilience.
Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of contributing to conversations across the UK’s space and connectivity ecosystem. From hosting regional workshops to speaking at specialist events and contributing to policy roundtables, I have seen firsthand how collaboration, communication, and innovation are essential to shaping the future of HAPS. In this blog, I share some reflections from these engagements and highlight how they connect with the broader mission of the HAPS Alliance.
Building Local Ecosystems, Connecting Global Agendas
On May 13, I co-organised and hosted the Liverpool City Region Space Workshop, bringing together academics, businesses, and regional stakeholders to discuss opportunities in the growing space sector. This was more than a networking event; it was a strategic platform to connect local capacity with national and international agendas.
Liverpool Hope University highlighted its strengths in AI, robotics, and connectivity research, including a growing interest in HAPS. For me, the workshop highlighted how regional universities can play a catalytic role: not only producing research but also acting as conveners that bridge industry, policy, and local government.
What struck me most was the appetite for collaboration at multiple levels. Small businesses sought pathways to plug into the space economy, local authorities wanted to understand how space innovation could drive regional growth, and academics were eager to connect their expertise with real-world impact. This reflects a critical lesson for HAPS: while the technology is inherently global, its success depends on building strong local ecosystems of innovation and trust.
Communicating the Potential of HAPS
In July, I was invited to present at the Space for Uncrewed Systems Workshop, hosted by the University of Lancashire, the North West Space Cluster, and Satellite Applications Catapult. My talk introduced HAPS to an audience that was already familiar with the role of uncrewed systems across air, land, and sea.
The key message I wanted to convey was simple but powerful: HAPS is not just a connectivity platform. It is a multi-application enabler. Beyond extending broadband to underserved areas, HAPS can support various applications, including earth observation, environmental monitoring, disaster response, and security. The platform’s versatility makes it strategically significant.
Equally important is the role of autonomy and AI. For HAPS systems to deliver at scale, they will need to operate with high levels of autonomy, coordinating with satellites, terrestrial networks, and other aerial assets. This is where AI-driven autonomy and multi-agent coordination can make the difference between a niche experiment and a globally transformative infrastructure.
By framing HAPS in this broader, multi-application context, I found that audiences engaged not only with the technical possibilities but also with the societal value. This reinforces the importance of clear communication: to secure investment and policy support, we must consistently link HAPS technology to tangible outcomes for people and communities.
Learning from the UK Space Ecosystem
Later in July, I attended the UK Space Conference, a major convening point for researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers. The event provided valuable insights into how the UK is positioning itself within the global space economy.
One clear theme was the integration of terrestrial, aerial, and space systems. The future of connectivity is not siloed; it lies in the convergence of networks. HAPS will have to work seamlessly alongside satellites and terrestrial 5G/6G infrastructures. This requires advances in technology, as well as improvements in standards, interoperability, and governance.
For me, the conference reinforced the importance of aligning HAPS research with broader UK priorities in space innovation and policy. It also highlighted opportunities for collaboration with industry partners who are increasingly interested in hybrid architectures that combine flexibility, resilience, and scalability.
Public Engagement and Policy Alignment
On July 17, I participated in the Space R&D in the Northwest Roundtable, a fringe event of the UK Space Conference hosted by the University of Manchester. The discussion centred on how space research and development can contribute to regional and national economic growth. My contribution emphasised the need to demystify the space sector, to make it accessible and relevant to the wider public.
This is especially true for HAPS. While technically complex, the value of HAPS can be communicated in ways that resonate with non-specialist audiences: for example, by demonstrating how it can restore communications after a natural disaster, monitor environmental changes, or support rural healthcare.
I also stressed the importance of highlighting the terrestrial spin-offs of space and HAPS research. Innovations in autonomy, materials, and data systems have applications that extend well beyond aerospace, ranging from logistics to urban mobility. This helps to build public support and demonstrates the wider return on investment.
Conclusion: Towards a Resilient, Connected Future
The past few months have reaffirmed my conviction that HAPS is more than a technical innovation. It is a strategic opportunity to reimagine connectivity for a world that is increasingly digital, interdependent, and vulnerable to disruption.
Through regional workshops, national conferences, and international collaborations, such as the HAPS Alliance, we are laying the foundations for a community that can advance this vision. For me personally, the journey has underscored the value of bridging technical research with policy dialogue and public engagement.
As we look to the future, the integration of AI-driven autonomy in hybrid networks offers one of the most exciting frontiers. By enabling networks that can anticipate, adapt, and self-organise, we move closer to a world where connectivity is not just available, but resilient, sustainable, and inclusive.
I am committed to continuing this journey, contributing research, insights, and partnerships to help the HAPS Alliance and its members shape the future of global connectivity. Aligning research outputs with policy needs ensures that HAPS technologies are not only technically viable but also socially and economically impactful.
References
[1] International Telecommunication Union, “Universal and meaningful connectivity by 2030,” ITU Newsroom, Sep. 12, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.itu.int/en/mediacentre/Pages/PR-2023-09-12-universal-and-meaningful-connectivity-by-2030.aspx
[2] SubmarineNetworks.com, “Statistics on subsea cable fault and repair,” 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.submarinenetworks.com/en/nv/insights/statistics-on-subsea-cable-fault-and-repair