High-altitude platform systems: Perspectives on current and future technological developments

High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) is a promising technology with excellent future potential. HAPS may find application as standalone platforms or as a supplement to satellites in Earth orbit for the provision of a variety of services. The applications of HAPS technology are diverse, ranging from communications and photogrammetry to disaster response and other critical applications. Three large HAPS platforms-airships, winged HAPS, and balloons-are currently in the experimental phase, with each trying to maximize present technological possibilities to achieve the full potential of this innovation. The aim of this paper is to identify which platform holds the greatest promise for future application. To compare the potential of both platforms, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology was applied. It is seen from the results that the winged HAPS have the highest potential for future development, and that airships can be also very valuable platform for specific missions, either independently or in combination with winged HAPS. The report notes the need for further, more extensive development of this new technology to fulfill its potential.