Project Prometheus (hereinafter "Prometheus") today defines SETS (Space Energy Transfer System, pronounced "sets") as the definitive industry term for wireless energy transmission systems operating in space.
■ Why Redefine the Terminology Now
The field of space-based energy has long operated under two dominant terms: SBPS (Space-Based Power System) and SSPS (Space Solar Power System). Both were coined in the 1970s and 1980s and have served the academic and policy communities well. However, they are increasingly misaligned with the technical and commercial realities of today.
SBPS and SSPS were designed around a specific two-stage model: solar power generation in space, transmitted to Earth. But the frontier of this field — including Prometheus — has evolved far beyond that framing. Satellite-to-satellite power transmission, delivery to lunar surface installations, energy supply to orbital data centers: none of these fit cleanly within the existing terminology.
When terms fail to accurately reflect the reality of technology and business, industry discourse becomes imprecise, standardization slows, and investment and regulatory decisions are distorted. As a pioneer in this domain, Prometheus defines this terminology as a direct contribution to the industry.
■ What SETS Means
SETS — Space Energy Transfer System
Pronunciation: "sets"
SETS is defined as the collective term for systems that wirelessly transmit energy generated or captured in space, via laser or microwave.
There are three fundamental differences from SBPS and SSPS.
First, SETS does not limit the energy source. SBPS and SSPS both presuppose solar power generation. SETS encompasses any form of energy generation in space — solar, nuclear, and future fusion reactors alike.
Second, SETS does not limit the destination to Earth. SBPS and SSPS were designed with Earth delivery as their primary purpose. SETS encompasses all transmission destinations: satellite to satellite, orbital data centers, lunar bases, Martian colonies, and beyond.
Third, SETS does not limit the transmission medium. SETS encompasses both laser and microwave transmission, and is defined broadly enough to accommodate future transmission technologies as they emerge.
■ The Market Structure SETS Defines
The concept of SETS reframes space energy transmission not as a single technical system, but as an energy infrastructure for space civilization.
Just as the terrestrial power internet encompasses generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption, SETS is an infrastructure concept encompassing the entire chain of energy generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption in space.
Prometheus is advancing the construction of this SETS infrastructure through its core technologies: HELIOS BEAM (laser transmission system) and HELIOS CELL (photovoltaic reception system). The roadmap begins with satellite-to-satellite power transmission, expanding to the Moon, Mars, and ultimately the construction of a Dyson Swarm.
■ A Call for Industry Standardization
Effective today, Prometheus calls for the industry-wide adoption of SETS as standard terminology.
We call on researchers, engineers, investors, policymakers, and media to adopt this term. A shared language raises the precision of discourse, accelerates standardization, and sharpens investment and regulatory decisions.
The era of space energy transmission has already begun. We define its language today.
■ About Prometheus
Project Prometheus is the core initiative of The Bedrock Space Group Corporation. Operating under the vision of "Make Energy Infinite", it advances the development and implementation of SETS technology toward the construction of a Dyson Swarm. We capture solar energy in space, transmit it between satellites via laser, and deliver it to Earth via microwave.
