Haps between Kessler syndrome, benefits for humanity, and technological challenges

Kessler syndrome represents a significant threat to satellites in orbit and human endeavors in space exploration. The Earth's orbital environment hosts important infrastructures like the International Space Station and a high volume of satellites for communications, navigation, and Earth observation. The research aims to mitigate the dangers and potential impacts of Kessler syndrome by employing the latest technological innovations, specifically High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), with carefully developed strategies for the survival and advancement of mankind. The study employs a hybrid SWOT-AHP method in designing the viable strategies for HAPS implementation in the context of Kessler syndrome. The key contribution of the research lies in demonstrating that, despite existing technological limitations, HAPS platforms can serve as viable alternatives to satellites made inoperable by Kessler syndrome. More significantly, by implementing the strategies suggested in this research, HAPS platforms can be transformed into multi-purpose systems with immense potential for a wide variety of applications in the event of cataclysmic events disabling orbital communications and navigation systems. Such platforms would be capable of functioning together with operational satellites or in a fully autonomous mode, thereby resolving key issues of Kessler syndrome.