Publications



May 12, 2025
Cooperative, Seamless, and Global Digital Skies for Higher Airspace

Written by the HAPS Alliance Aviation Working Group (AWG), this paper aims to assist the aviation and aerospace global communities in understanding an industry perspective and vision for a globally harmonized, cross-border, and integrated Higher Airspace Operations Traffic Management, which supports the seamless integration of highly automated operations. Download to learn more today!




April 15, 2025
HAPS Reference Architecture Series: HAPS Advantages in an Era of Satellite Connectivity

This paper explores the promising applications and technical architecture of High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), aiming to inform governments, investors, and potential customers about their potential to enhance connectivity. The paper outlines key use cases for HAPS, including providing connectivity in underserved areas, filling gaps in cellular networks, supporting emergency response, and extending coverage over oceans. It also dives into HAPS network integration with terrestrial and satellite systems (LEO and GEO), explores backhaul options and link budgets, and evaluates performance under adverse weather conditions. Ultimately, the paper highlights how HAPS can complement and enhance existing cellular and satellite infrastructure.




October 28, 2024
HAPS Reference Architecture Series: Cell Towers in the Sky

Written by the HAPS Alliance, this white paper discusses the potential of HAPS networks to bridge connectivity gaps, emphasizing their unique benefits—flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency—over terrestrial and satellite networks. The paper also provides an in-depth look at HAPS architecture, covering its various aviation systems, including flight vehicle, energy and fleet orchestration systems, and its service systems, including service link, feeder link, core network and stratospheric network routing systems. Intended as the first in a series, this paper serves as a foundational guide, helping Alliance members and stakeholders understand where their offerings can fit within the HAPS ecosystem. Download to learn more today.




May 16, 2024
Creating an Enabling Regulatory Environment for HAPS Deployment

The HAPS Alliance Telecommunications Working Group, comprised of world-leading telecommunications, technology, aviation, and aerospace companies, published its first Regulatory Positions Paper in February 2021, marking a significant achievement for the Alliance within their first year. This updated paper provides a high-level overview of regulatory recommendations for HAPS to support the stratospheric ecosystem. It includes the latest information, such as the expansion of HAPS service-link following WRC-23, to assist governments in implementing appropriate HAPS regulations within their national frameworks. Download this paper to gain insight into how HAPS can enable and enhance the stratospheric ecosystem.




February 8, 2024
HAPS Certification Pathways

Written by the HAPS Alliance Aviation Working Group (AWG), this white paper provides valuable insights into the unique issues that must be considered when regulating High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) and recommends a series of actions to facilitate their safe and efficient operation. Download today!




January 31, 2024
Acceptable Levels of Risks for HAPS

Written by the HAPS Alliance Aviation Working Group (AWG), the authoritative paper highlights how leading experts in the field of HAPS have reimagined the traditional safety metrics used in aviation and introduced new approaches to setting acceptable levels of risk for this emerging technology. Download to learn more today!




December 13, 2022
Guidelines for Payload Operation in the Stratosphere

Written by the HAPS Alliance Telecommunications Working Group, this publication provides integration and environmental guidelines for potential payload providers to consider when developing a payload for operation on a flight vehicle in the stratosphere. Download to learn more today!




April 12, 2022
HAPS Operation Using Attended Autonomous Fleet Systems
Collaborative Traffic Management for the Stratosphere

Written by the HAPS Alliance Aviation Working Group, this authoritative paper explains the concept of Attended Autonomous Fleet Systems and the use of Collaborative Traffic Management for the Stratosphere (CTMS), informed by the principles of Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM), which enables secure and scalable operation of the unmanned vehicles that offer connectivity to regions of the earth below. Download to learn more today!




December 14, 2021
Bridging the Digital Divide with Aviation in the Stratosphere
HAPS Flight Test Results Show Path to Unlock Stratospheric Communications

HAPSMobile had a successful flight test and communication trial using Sunglider, an unmanned aircraft planned to be used as a stratospheric communication platform. Review this White Paper for test details, with similar undertakings by the HAPS Alliance Aviation Working Group members.


Translated Japanese version also available. 日本語版


August 5, 2021
Driving the Potential of the Stratosphere

The HAPS Alliance Marketing Communications Working Group, comprised of world-leading telecommunications, technology, aviation, and aerospace companies, published its first White Paper. In this White Paper, you will discover key industry stats and executive quotes from HAPS Alliance member companies. Download today!


Translated Japanese version now available. 日本語版


May 1, 2020
High Altitude, Higher Ambitions

In this White Paper, Loon and other HAPS Alliance members outlined the multi-billion dollar market opportunity in Earth’s stratosphere that spans telecommunications, high-resolution earth observation, and weather prediction and modeling.