Question

Draw a free body diagram for a satellite in an elliptical orbit showing why its speed increases as it approaches its parent body and decreases as it moves away.

Answer 1

show gravity vector toward Earth, always toward Earth. Show present velocity. Note that as it aproaches, the force of gravity is partly in the direction of velocity, causing it to speed up. https://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/circles/u6l4b7.gif