High Altitude Platforms as a cost-effective alternative to massive satellite constellations, for bandwidth delivery to underserved areas

Paper number

IAC-18,E6,1,7,x46797

Author

Mr. Thomas Olson, United States, Center for Space Commerce and Finance

Year

2018

Abstract

Companies like SpaceX and OneWeb are committing billions of US dollars to collectively launch over 6000 smallsats over the next few years, in hopes of delivering broadband services to the entire world. And yet, despite the vast commitment of resources, and the promise of low latency, another alternative may end up being far easier and much cheaper to deploy, operate, and maintain.

High Altitude Platforms, in the form of stationary airships, or propellor-driven drone airplanes, could provide targeted solutions to underserved areas of the world, at far less cost than constellations of satellites, which, for 90% of their orbits, are over areas of ocean or land relatively devoid of human habitation, ending up with far less cost efficiency. 

The author will explain the cost models, state of the art of HAPs today, and offer a deeper view into his company’s own efforts to provide broadband and mobile backhaul services, from an “orbit” of only 20km up.

Abstract document

IAC-18,E6,1,7,x46797.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-18,E6,1,7,x46797.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.