Cost metric (historical context): The approximate total cost per watt for generating power on a geostationary satellite is closest to which value (in ₹/W)?

Introduction / Context:
The effective “cost per watt” in GEO accounts for the mass, design, launch, and qualification overhead to generate and deliver usable electrical power via solar arrays and batteries at geostationary orbit. It is a useful high-level metric in older exam literature to compare platform costs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Historical textbook/competitive exam context (not a current market quote).
• Includes spacecraft power subsystem and launch-to-orbit cost basis.
• Typical multi-kilowatt GEO buses of the era referenced by the question.

Concept / Approach:

Older cost-per-watt rules of thumb placed GEO bus power around the order of ₹100 per watt (exam-era values), reflecting expensive, ruggedized solar arrays, batteries sized for eclipse seasons, and high launch costs per kilogram. Modern values vary widely by program and currency but the exam key aligns with the ₹100 figure.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Traditional satellite engineering texts present order-of-magnitude costs consistent with the ₹100/W figure for GEO-era buses considered in exam syllabi.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• ₹5–₹50: far below typical GEO historical cost references.
• ₹20: still too low given array/battery mass and launch costs.
• ₹200: higher than the classic benchmark indicated by such questions.

Common Pitfalls:

• Applying present-day LEO/CubeSat economics to legacy GEO benchmarks.

Final Answer:

₹100