Derive an expression for energy of an orbiting satellite.

Explanation

The kinetic energy of the satellite in a circular path with speed v is K.E `=(1)/(2) mv^(2)= (Gm M_(e))/(2(R_(e)+ h))`
Now potential energy at distance (R+h) from centre of the earth is P.E= `-(GmM_(e))/((R_(e)+h))`
`E= K.E. + P.E = - (GmM_(e))/(2(R_(e)+h))`
Therefore, energy of a circulating satellite is negative.