An artificial satellite orbiting the earth in very thin atmosphere loses its energy gradually due to dissipation against atmospheric resistance, however small. Why then does its speed increase progressively as it comes closer and closer to the earth ?

Explanation

When the artificial satellite orbiting the earth comes closer and closer tot he earth, its potential energy deceases as sum of potential energy and kinetic energy is constant, therefore K.E of satellite and hence its velocity goes on increasing . However total energy of satellite decreases a little pm account of dissipation against atmospheric resistance