Environment – High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS)

High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) are emerging as eco-friendly alternatives to satellites and cellular towers, providing internet connectivity in remote areas, environmental monitoring, and support for disaster management. Operating in the stratosphere, HAPS can stay aloft for months, using advanced solar technology and lightweight materials. They are instrumental in areas with limited infrastructure, offering a sustainable solution for real-time data gathering on air and water quality, which supports environmental conservation efforts (World Economic Forum). These platforms are also essential for bridging the digital divide, particularly in hard-to-reach regions, by offering low-cost, low-latency internet access and infrastructure for smart agriculture and other green initiatives.