Researching the Infrastructure of the Intelligence Age
PROMETHEUS is an independent research project examining how artificial intelligence is becoming part of a much larger transformation in the infrastructure of civilization.
Our research focuses on the convergence of artificial intelligence, advanced computing, energy, communications, space systems, and human governance—and on the ways these systems increasingly depend upon one another.
Rather than examining these technologies in isolation, PROMETHEUS studies the emerging system as a whole: the physical infrastructure that makes intelligence possible, the networks that connect it, the energy that powers it, and the institutions responsible for its stewardship.
The PROMETHEUS White Paper Series
PROMETHEUS publishes its research as a series of focused white papers. Each paper examines one part of the emerging infrastructure of the Intelligence Age. WP means White Paper. The papers are numbered in the order in which the PROMETHEUS framework develops. They can be read individually, but together they build a larger argument about the convergence of artificial intelligence, energy, computing, communications, physical infrastructure, and governance.
WP-01 — The Next Digital Infrastructure Revolution
Introduces the central PROMETHEUS thesis: intelligence is becoming infrastructure.
WP-02 — Powering Intelligence
Examines the energy systems required to support intelligence at scale.
WP-03 — Compute Follows Energy
Examines how energy availability, communications networks, and geography may shape where computation occurs.
WP-04 — The Intelligent Infrastructure State
Examines the institutions, governance, capital, security, workforce, and public-private coordination required to build and govern intelligent infrastructure.
WP-05 — The Million-Satellite Economy
Examines the emerging orbital AI economy and the infrastructure, launch systems, satellite networks, and supply chains that could support intelligence at unprecedented scale.
WP-06 — The SpaceX Ecosystem
WP-06 examines the emerging SpaceX ecosystem, including Starship, Starlink, satellite manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and the industrial supply chains supporting the expanding space economy. The paper explores how these technologies are converging into an integrated infrastructure platform.
WP-07 – Space-Based AI: When Compute Leaves the Earth
WP-07 Examines
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most demanding forms of physical infrastructure, requiring enormous investments in computing hardware, electricity, cooling, and communications networks. WP-07 examines an emerging possibility: moving selected AI computing operations beyond Earth and into orbit. The paper explores the engineering, energy, communications, manufacturing, and economic challenges associated with space-based computing, while distinguishing demonstrated technologies from proposals and future scenarios. Its central question is whether orbital computing could eventually become a practical extension of Earth’s digital infrastructure.
Additional PROMETHEUS white papers will extend the research into new infrastructure systems and emerging technologies.
Research Areas
PROMETHEUS research is organized around six interconnected domains that together form the emerging infrastructure of the Intelligence Age.
Artificial Intelligence & Compute
Artificial intelligence, advanced computing, semiconductors, data centers, and the computational systems transforming scientific discovery, industry, national capability, and everyday life.
Energy & Power
The generation, transmission, storage, and distribution systems required to support an increasingly compute-intensive civilization, including the evolving roles of nuclear energy, renewable generation, grid infrastructure, and energy storage.
Communications & Connectivity
Fiber, terrestrial wireless networks, satellite communications, direct-to-device systems, and the increasingly persistent communications layer connecting people, machines, and intelligent systems.
Space Infrastructure
Reusable launch systems, satellite constellations, orbital communications, Earth observation, and the expanding relationship between space-based infrastructure and economic activity on Earth.
Intelligent Physical Systems
Robotics, autonomous transportation, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and the integration of artificial intelligence with machines operating in the physical world.
Governance & Human Stewardship
The institutions, policies, safeguards, responsibilities, and long-term principles required to govern increasingly capable intelligent systems while preserving human agency and serving human interests.
Publications
PROMETHEUS publications examine major components of the emerging Intelligence Age through research papers, analytical reports, and long-form studies. Each publication is designed to contribute to a broader understanding of how intelligent systems are reshaping the infrastructure upon which modern civilization depends.
WP-01 — The Next Digital Infrastructure Revolution
The inaugural PROMETHEUS white paper examines the convergence of artificial intelligence, compute, energy, communications, space infrastructure, and human governance. It presents a framework for understanding these systems not as separate technological developments, but as components of an emerging infrastructure for human intelligence.
PROMETHEUS WP-01 Gold Edition — August 2026
Ongoing Research
PROMETHEUS is an evolving research initiative. Future publications will examine individual components of the Intelligence Age in greater depth while continuing to study the relationships between artificial intelligence, physical infrastructure, energy, communications, space systems, and governance.
As this research develops, new white papers, analytical reports, research briefs, and supporting materials will be published here.