The combination of airspace and non-terrestrial networks (combined ASN), leveraging low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, high-altitude platform stations (HAPSs), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), creates a transformative 6G connectivity infrastructure. The envisioned architecture combines the strengths of these technologies in a hierarchical network, addressing coverage, especially in remote areas not served today. In this article, we conduct a techno-economic analysis of the non-terrestrial enabling technologies of combined ASN. First, we identify and categorize a set of use cases ranging from rural connectivity through maritime scenarios to augmenting terrestrial networks, which could be implemented with different combinations of LEO satellites, HAPSs, and UAVs. Second, we provide a detailed total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis for these technologies, and find that a LEO constellation plus well-controlled UAVs are fit to provide global connectivity (TCO of a LEO satellite is 1.5 million USD) and on-demand network augmentation (10 million USD of TCO to serve a densely populated city), while a HAPS is best suited for regionally focused services with a TCO figure of 4.4 million USD. Finally, we provide an overview of the technological, regulatory, and economic challenges of HAPS, and outline specialized use cases where HAPS might be a good alternative.

中文翻译：

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为 6G 集成天空：LEO、HAPS 和 UAV 技术的技术经济考虑


空域和非地面网络（组合 ASN）相结合，利用近地轨道 （LEO） 卫星、高空平台站 （HAPS） 和无人机 （UAV），打造变革性的 6G 连接基础设施。设想的架构将这些技术的优势结合在一个分层网络中，解决了覆盖范围问题，尤其是在目前未服务的偏远地区。在本文中，我们对组合 ASN 的非地面使能技术进行了技术经济分析。首先，我们确定并分类了一组使用案例，从通过海事场景的农村连接到增强地面网络，这些用例可以通过 LEO 卫星、HAPS 和无人机的不同组合来实现。其次，我们为这些技术提供了详细的总拥有成本 （TCO） 分析，发现 LEO 星座加上控制良好的无人机适合提供全球连接（LEO 卫星的 TCO 为 150 万美元）和按需网络增强（为人口稠密的城市提供服务的 TCO 为 1000 万美元），而 HAPS 最适合以区域为中心的服务，TCO 数字为 440 万美元。最后，我们概述了 HAPS 的技术、监管和经济挑战，并概述了 HAPS 可能是一个不错的选择的专业用例。