Launch vehicle engines use integrated alternators for auxiliary power generation
the verdict
REFUTED
the evidence says no
refutedsupported
the weight of evidence
0 sources for · 1 against
AS REPORTEDno primary record reached; this is what the reporting says
Retrieved technical discussions regarding launch vehicle engines and power sources indicate that real-world rockets generally do not use integrated alternators or generators on their engines for auxiliary power.
# Alternator/generator on launcher engines?
Tags: rockets, power, liquid-fuel, kerbal-space-program
- Score: 10
- Views: 2109
- Answers: 3
- Answered: yes
- Asked by: Russell Borogove (176628 rep)
- Asked: 2016-01-03
- Site: space
## Question
In Kerbal Space Program, most liquid fueled engines include a generator which provides electricity to systems on the rocket, keeping the batteries topped up while on ascent.
Do any real rockets (contemporary or historic) use such a system? I would imagine it's easier to just size the batteries or fuel cells appropriately for the duration of the launch and avoid the complexity of putting a generator on the turbopumps.
## Answers
### Answer by Russell Borogove (score: 5 [ACCEPTED])
Apparently flux switching alternators are used on some guided missiles (e.g. AIM-7 Sparrow), which may have to push a lot of power through a radar antenna during their short flight.
### Answer by Hobbes (score: 6)
A quick search didn't turn up any alternators on rocket engines.
I did find a list that showed the power source on a few rockets.
Nothing complete, but it shows that e.g. the Ariane 5 has one power source (batteries) in the VEB, which is attach