If the zero of potential energy is at infinity, the total energy of an orbiting satellite is negative of its kinetic/ potential energy.
Explanation:
Total mechanical energy of a satellite is the sum of its kinetic energy (always positive) and potential energy (may be negative). At infinity, the gravitational potential energy of the satellite is zero. As the Earth-satellite system is a bound system, the total energy of the satellite is negative. Thus, the total energy of an orbiting satellite at infinity is equal to the negative of its kinetic energy.
