A Vision and Framework for the High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) Networks of the Future

A High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) is a network node that operates in the stratosphere at an of altitude around 20 km and instrumental for providing communication services. Precipitated by technological innovations areas autonomous avionics, array antennas, solar panel efficiency levels, battery energy densities, fueled flourishing industry ecosystems, HAPS has emerged as indispensable component next-generations wireless networks. In this article, we provide vision framework networks future supported comprehensive state-of-the-art literature review. We highlight unrealized potential systems elaborate on their unique ability to serve metropolitan areas. The latest advancements promising technologies payload are discussed. integration emerging Reconfigurable Smart Surface (RSS) technology communications cost-effective deployment proposed. detailed overview radio resource management presented along with synergistic physical layer techniques, including Faster-Than-Nyquist (FTN) signaling. Numerous aspects handoff described. notable contributions Artificial Intelligence (AI) HAPS, machine learning design, topology management, handoff, allocation emphasized. extensive crucial substantiating our depicts expected opportunities challenges next 10 years (next-generation networks), well subsequent (next-next-generation networks).