Around three billion people globally lack proper internet access due to infrastructure, economic, and geographic limitations. High-altitude platform stations (balloons, airships, gliders, airplanes) aim to bridge this gap, offering more flexible and cost-effective solutions compared to satellites. They provide high-data-rate applications and could support emergency scenarios, IoT devices, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Key challenges remain in ensuring long-duration aloft times, green power sources, and reliability during automated operations. With continued technological advancements, platform stations are poised to play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive digital future
