When an earth satellite dissipates energy, where does it move?

When a satellite dissipates energy through atmospheric drag, it descends to a lower orbit — and here is the counterintuitive part — its kinetic energy actually increases. As the spacecraft falls, its gravitational potential energy becomes more negative and its kinetic energy rises. This is one of the most surprising concepts in orbital mechanics — a satellite that loses energy ends up moving faster, not slower.

• Lower Orbit: When energy is dissipated through atmospheric drag, the satellite descends to a lower orbit closer to Earth
• Kinetic Energy Increases: A lower circular orbit has a higher speed than a higher circular orbit, even though its total mechanical energy is lower
• Counterintuitive Fact: Though the satellite loses total energy, it gains speed — making it move faster in the lower orbit
• Atmospheric Drag: Atmospheric drag always removes orbital energy, but gravity leaves a decaying satellite moving faster after it falls into a lower orbit
• Total Energy: Remains negative throughout — confirming the satellite stays gravitationally bound to Earth