  This paper studies the potential of RIS-integrated NTNs to revolutionize the
next-generation connectivity. First, it discusses the fundamentals of RIS
technology. Secondly, it delves into reporting the recent advances in
RIS-enabled NTNs. Subsequently, it presents a novel framework based on the
current state-of-the-art for low earth orbit satellites (LEO) communications,
wherein the signal received at the user terminal traverses both a direct link
and an RIS link, and the RIS is mounted on a high-altitude platform (HAP)
situated within the stratosphere. Finally, the paper concludes by highlighting
open challenges and future research directions to revolutionize the realm of
RIS-integrated NTNs.
