Salam Centennial Lecture: Race to Near Space

[Infopoint]

How do we connect the whole world?
ICTP Global Science Portal welcomes you to a Salam Centennial lecture
exploring the use of high-altitude platform stations and satellite
networks to promote global connectivity.

This Salam Centennial lecture is hosted by the ICTP Global Science Portal
and given by
Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini Al-Khawarizmi,
Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, UNESCO
Chair on Education to Connect the Unconnected, King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology (KAUST).

When and where:
10AM CEST, Tuesday 22nd September 2026.
Online (register on Zoom):
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/wFM9UFCcSwehnIyiIVPBrw

High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) are emerging as a key complement to
low-earth orbit satellite mega-constellations, offering a scalable
solution for global connectivity and bridging digital divides where
terrestrial and satellite networks fall short. Operating from the
stratosphere, HAPS leverage advanced beamforming and free-space optics
(FSO) to deliver high-capacity and low-latency communications across
diverse geographical areas. This talk explores the technological
connectivity advancements driving HAPS by highlighting how intelligent
beam management and optical feeder and inter-HAPS links can democratize
broadband access and also provide unique solutions for disaster recovery,
paving the way for a more connected world.

ICTP Global Science Portal team.