HAPS-ISAC: Enhancing Sensing and Communication in 6G Networks With Advanced MIMO Beamforming

This paper introduces a novel high altitude platform station (HAPS)-based integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) system, referred to as HAPS-ISAC, designed to enhance the capabilities of future 6G networks by simultaneously optimizing communication and sensing functions. HAPS operates as a super-macro base station in the stratosphere, utilizing advanced beamforming techniques within a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) architecture, supplemented by multiple-input single-output (MISO) configurations, effectively enabling the system to serve ground communication users (CUs) while conducting high-resolution sensing of potential targets. A Rician channel model is employed to capture both line-of-sight (LoS) and non-line-of-sight (NLoS) conditions. The performance of the system is optimized through a non-convex optimization problem that maximizes the minimum beampattern gain towards desired sensing angles while ensuring that the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) requirements for CUs are satisfied, all under the power constraints of the HAPS. Compared to the traditional terrestrial and UAV-based ISAC systems, HAPS-ISAC delivers sustained and reliable service over extensive areas, leading to significantly improved overall performance. Simulation results show that HAPS-ISAC significantly improves SINR, resource allocation, sensing accuracy, and fairness, outperforming existing technologies. This establishes HAPS-ISAC as a key enabler for 6G networks and advances intelligent infrastructures like IoT and smart cities.