A High Altitude Platform Station or HAPS is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which is to remain relatively stationary at high altitude.
They can be used as communications platforms, for weather surveys, traffic reports etc. Because of their relative short distance from earth compared to satellites (20 km compared to up to 40,000 km of Geostationary satellite) they could even be used to provide mobile telecommunication, without the need for ground based base stations, and without the long delays associated with satellite communication.
The concept of HAPS has been there for quite some time but has never really take up commercially. I still remember when I visited Yokosuka Research Park a few years ago, the researchers there had shown me their works on HAPS.
Among the challenges, a HAP would have to be kept in a relatively fixed location and orientation, particularly if it is desired to use fixed–position antennae, so systems to maintain orientation will have to be designed and powered. Modulation schemes, spectrum utilization, technology and standards for inter–HAP links, etc. must all be designed.
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