# Bridging Earth and Space: A Survey on HAPS for Non-Terrestrial Networks

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.19731 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2510.19731/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 65 of its 265 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 22 Oct 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 30 of 65)

- [Graph Attention Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1710.10903/) (2017)
- [Satellite Communications in the New Space Era: A Survey and Future Challenges](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2002.08811/) (2020)
- [Machine Learning-Aided Operations and Communications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: A Contemporary Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2211.04324/) (2022)
- [FedHAP: Fast Federated Learning for LEO Constellations Using Collaborative HAPs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2205.07216/) (2022)
- [A Vision and Framework for the High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) Networks of the Future](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2007.15088/) (2020)
- [Revolutionizing Future Connectivity: A Contemporary Survey on AI-empowered Satellite-based Non-Terrestrial Networks in 6G](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.01633/) (2023)
- [Federated Learning for Task and Resource Allocation in Wireless High Altitude Balloon Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2003.09375/) (2020)
- [Channel Estimation for Full-Duplex RIS-assisted HAPS Backhauling with Graph Attention Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2010.12004/) (2020)
- [What Will the Future of UAV Cellular Communications Be? A Flight from 5G to 6G](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2105.04842/) (2021)
- [Evolution of Non-Terrestrial Networks From 5G to 6G: A Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2107.06881/) (2021)
- [Improvement of the Global Connectivity using Integrated Satellite-Airborne-Terrestrial Networks with Resource Optimization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1912.03828/) (2019)
- [3D Aerial Highway: The Key Enabler of the Retail Industry Transformation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2009.09477/) (2020)
- [Wireless Backhaul in 5G and Beyond: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2103.08234/) (2021)
- [Artificial Intelligence for Satellite Communication and Non-Terrestrial Networks: A Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2304.13008/) (2023)
- [Cellular Wireless Networks in the Upper Mid-Band](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.03038/) (2023)
- [Intelligent Reflecting Surface Assisted Anti-Jamming Communications: A Fast Reinforcement Learning Approach](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2004.12539/) (2020)
- [On the Interplay of Artificial Intelligence and Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks: A Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.00881/) (2024)
- [Mobility in the Sky: Performance and Mobility Analysis for Cellular-Connected UAVs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1908.07774/) (2019)
- [The Potential of Multilayered Hierarchical Nonterrestrial Networks for 6G: A Comparative Analysis Among Networking Architectures](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2011.08608/) (2020)
- [A Survey of Wireless Networks for Future Aerial COMmunications (FACOM)](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2111.04175/) (2021)
- [Joint User Association and Beamforming in Integrated Satellite-HAPS-Ground Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2204.13257/) (2022)
- [High Altitude Platform Stations: the New Network Energy Efficiency Enabler in the 6G Era](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2307.00969/) (2023)
- [Resource Scheduling for UAVs-aided D2D Networks: A Multi-objective Optimization Approach](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.16116/) (2023)
- [Cloud-Enabled High-Altitude Platform Systems: Challenges and Opportunities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2106.02006/) (2021)
- [Data Center-Enabled High Altitude Platforms: A Green Computing Alternative](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.09241/) (2023)
- [6G Wireless Communications in 7-24 GHz Band: Opportunities, Techniques, and Challenges](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.06425/) (2023)
- [A Tutorial on Non-Terrestrial Networks: Towards Global and Ubiquitous 6G Connectivity](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.16611/) (2024)
- [Optimizing UAV Aerial Base Station Flights Using DRL-based Proximal Policy Optimization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.03961/) (2025)
- [A Contemporary Survey on Free Space Optical Communication: Potential, Technical Challenges, Recent Advances and Research Direction](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2012.00155/) (2020)
- [An Energy-efficient Aerial Backhaul System with Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2104.01723/) (2021)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [PPO-Based Dynamic Positioning of HAPS-BS in Wind-Disturbed Stratospheric Maritime Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.05240/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

HAPS are emerging as key enablers in the evolution of 6G wireless networks, bridging terrestrial and non-terrestrial infrastructures. Operating in the stratosphere, HAPS can provide wide-area coverage, low-latency, energy-efficient broadband communications with flexible deployment options for diverse applications. This survey delivers a comprehensive overview of HAPS use cases, technologies, and integration strategies within the 6G ecosystem. The roles of HAPS in extending connectivity to underserved regions, supporting dynamic backhauling, enabling massive IoT, and delivering reliable low-latency communications for autonomous and immersive services are discussed. The paper reviews state-of-the-art architectures for terrestrial and non-terrestrial network integration, highlights recent field trials. Furthermore, key enabling technologies such as channel modeling, AI-driven resource allocation, interference control, mobility management, and energy-efficient communications are examined. The paper also outlines open research challenges. By addressing existing gaps in the literature, this survey positions HAPS as a foundational component of globally integrated, resilient, and sustainable 6G networks.