An object in a larger orbit generally has less energy than an object in a smaller orbit. The total energy of an orbiting object is the sum of its kinetic energy (related to its speed) and potential energy (related to its distance from the central body).
According to the law of conservation of energy, the total energy of a system remains constant unless acted upon by external forces. In the case of an object in orbit, as it moves closer to the central body in a smaller orbit, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases. Conversely, when the object moves farther away into a larger orbit, its potential energy increases while its kinetic energy decreases.
Therefore, an object in a smaller orbit has more energy because it possesses higher kinetic energy due to its higher speed and lower potential energy due to its closer distance to the central body. Conversely, an object in a larger orbit has less energy because it has lower kinetic energy and higher potential energy.
It's worth noting that the specific energy of an object in orbit depends on various factors, such as the mass of the central body and the eccentricity of the orbit. The explanation provided above assumes a simplified scenario of a circular orbit around a central body of fixed mass.