Integrated High Altitude Platform: LEO Satellite Mega-

Constellations for Next Generation Non-Terrestrial

Networks
findaphd.com/phds/project/integrated-high-altitude-platform-leo-satellite-mega-constellations-for-next-generation-
non-terrestrial-networks

York United Kingdom Communications Engineering Electronic

Engineering Computer Science

About the Project

LEO satellite mega constellations promise to revolutionise wireless connectivity in many
areas of the world. However, they have a fundamental drawback in that conventional
cellular user equipment cannot be used directly. This is in contrast with to be services
offered from High Altitude Platforms (stratospheric aircraft, airships or balloons), which
are capable of seamlessly integrating with terrestrial cellular networks.

This project will examine how an integrated network of HAPs and LEO satellites can be
used to exploit the wide area coverage from LEO satellites, and the high-capacity density,
low-latency, direct to the user cellular communications, available from constellations of
HAPs, to deliver efficient next generation services, including autonomous driving and
industrial control.

The project will include development of innovative collaborative antenna beamforming

techniques and dynamic interference management strategies, considering Radio Access
Network (RAN) disaggregation and practical backhaul/fronthaul constraints. A mixture of
simulation and analysis will be used to assess performance. Stochastic Geometry, Game
theory and Markov analysis will be particularly important analytical tools.

The research will exploit connections with most of the world’s HAPs developers, York’s
membership of the HAPS Alliance, and the University’s new Institute for Safe Autonomy,
which is a £35M investment to establish a UK leading institute in the area.

Entry requirements:

Candidates should have (or expect to obtain) a minimum of a UK upper second class
honours degree (2.1) or equivalent in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Physics,
Computer Science, Mathematics or a closely related subject.

How to apply:

Applicants should apply via the University’s online application system at

https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply/. Please read the application
guidance first so that you understand the various steps in the application process.

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Funding Notes
This is a self-funded project and you will need to have sufficient funds in place (eg from
scholarships, personal funds and/or other sources) to cover the tuition fees and living
expenses for the duration of the research degree programme. Please check the Electronic
Engineering website View Website for details about funding opportunities at York.

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