The Kardashev scale is a method of measuring a civilization ' s level of technological advancement based on the amount of energy it is able to use. The measure was proposed by Soviet astronomer Nikolai Kardashev in 1964. The scale is hypothetical , and regards energy consumption on a cosmic scale. Various extensions of the scale have since been proposed, including a wider range of power levels (types 0, IV through VI) and the use of metrics other than pure power. Categories The Kardashev scale has three designated categories, these are: A Type I civilization , also called a planetary civilization , can use and store all of the energy available on its planet. A Type II civilization , also called a stellar civilization , can use and control energy at the scale of its planetary system. A Type III ...