# STORK-3
**Wikidata**: [Q121872555](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121872555)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/stork-3

## Summary
STORK-3 is a Polish CubeSat, a type of miniaturized satellite composed of 10cm-sided cubic modules, launched on January 13, 2022. It was deployed into orbit using the LauncherOne rocket developed by Virgin Orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of:** CubeSat (miniaturized satellite).
- **Country of Origin:** Poland.
- **Launch Date:** January 13, 2022.
- **Launch Vehicle:** LauncherOne (Virgin Orbit).
- **COSPAR ID:** 2022-003E.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 51098.
- **Structure:** Composed of 10cm-sided cubic modules.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is STORK-3?
A: STORK-3 is a CubeSat, which is a class of miniaturized satellites built from standardized 10cm-sided cubic modules.

### Q: When and how was STORK-3 launched?
A: STORK-3 was launched on January 13, 2022, aboard a LauncherOne vehicle operated by Virgin Orbit.

### Q: Which country is responsible for STORK-3?
A: STORK-3 is a spacecraft originating from Poland.

## Why It Matters
STORK-3 represents a specific instance of Poland's engagement in the space sector, specifically within the domain of nano-satellites. As a CubeSat, it utilizes a standardized form factor that reduces the cost and complexity of space access, allowing for more frequent and specialized low-Earth orbit missions.

The entry is significant for its association with the LauncherOne platform, an air-launched rocket system developed by Virgin Orbit. This launch method distinctively uses a carrier aircraft to release the rocket at high altitude, offering flexibility in launch locations compared to traditional vertical ground launches. STORK-3 serves as a data point for the capability of commercial launch providers to deploy small satellite payloads for international entities.

## Notable For
- Being a Polish artificial satellite operating in Earth's orbit.
- Utilizing the LauncherOne air-launch-to-orbit system.
- Classification under the standardized CubeSat specification.
- Tracking via international identifiers COSPAR 2022-003E and SCN 51098.

## Body
### Overview and Classification
STORK-3 is an artificial satellite classified as a CubeSat. This classification refers to a type of miniaturized satellite built to standard dimensions of 10cm x 10cm x 10cm cubic units. It is identified in various space tracking databases and knowledge graphs as an instance of this specific spacecraft class.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was successfully launched on January 13, 2022. Its launch provider was Virgin Orbit, utilizing their specific launch vehicle known as LauncherOne. LauncherOne is a two-stage orbital launch vehicle designed to carry small satellites into orbit.

### Technical Identifiers
To facilitate tracking and cataloging, STORK-3 is assigned specific international codes:
- **COSPAR International Designator:** 2022-003E. This code identifies the specific launch and the element (E) within that launch sequence.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 51098. This is a sequential number assigned by the United States Space Command.

### Origin
Structured data properties confirm the country of origin for STORK-3 as Poland.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report