# WorldView-3

> commercial Earth observation satellite launched in 2014

**Wikidata**: [Q17505921](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17505921)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WorldView-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/worldview-3

## Summary
WorldView-3 is a commercial Earth observation satellite launched on August 13, 2014. Manufactured by Ball Aerospace & Technologies and operated by DigitalGlobe, it is designed to capture high-resolution satellite imagery of the Earth from orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** August 13, 2014
- **Operator:** DigitalGlobe
- **Manufacturer:** Ball Aerospace & Technologies
- **Classification:** Earth observation satellite; Artificial satellite of the Earth
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas V 401 (United Launch Alliance)
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3
- **Spacecraft Bus:** BCP-5000
- **COSPAR ID:** 2014-048A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 40115
- **Product:** WorldView-3 satellite imagery

## FAQs
### Q: When was WorldView-3 launched?
A: WorldView-3 was launched on August 13, 2014, from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3.

### Q: Who operates WorldView-3?
A: The satellite is operated by DigitalGlobe.

### Q: What kind of satellite is WorldView-3?
A: It is a commercial Earth observation satellite specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit and produce satellite imagery.

## Why It Matters
WorldView-3 represents a significant asset in the commercial space industry, serving as a dedicated platform for Earth observation. By providing "WorldView-3 satellite imagery," the satellite supports various commercial and analytical needs requiring data collected from orbit. Its existence underscores the capabilities of private sector entities like DigitalGlobe to deploy and manage sophisticated spacecraft.

The satellite is a prime example of collaboration between aerospace manufacturing and operational services; it was built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies using the BCP-5000 spacecraft bus and launched via the Atlas V 401. As an artificial satellite maintaining orbit around the Earth, it contributes to the continuous monitoring and documentation of the planet's surface, classified broadly under the "World view" initiative.

## Notable For
- **Commercial Earth Observation:** It is a prominent artificial satellite specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit for commercial purposes.
- **Specific Manufacturer:** The satellite utilizes the BCP-5000 spacecraft bus, built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies.
- **Launch Configuration:** It was deployed using the Atlas V 401 launch vehicle from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3.
- **Data Production:** It generates distinct "WorldView-3 satellite imagery" products.

## Body

### Mission and Classification
WorldView-3 is classified as an artificial satellite of the Earth and, more specifically, an Earth observation satellite. It operates within the broader context of the "World view" program. The primary output of the satellite's mission is the generation of WorldView-3 satellite imagery.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft was constructed by Ball Aerospace & Technologies. It is built upon the BCP-5000 spacecraft bus platform. The satellite is assigned the COSPAR ID 2014-048A and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 40115. It is also identified in the Wolfram Language as `Entity["Satellite", "40115"]`.

### Launch and Deployment
WorldView-3 was successfully launched on August 13, 2014. The launch vehicle used was the Atlas V 401, a United Launch Alliance rocket. The launch event took place at Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3.

### Operational Management
The satellite is operated by DigitalGlobe. It is recognized globally by several aliases, including WORLDVIEW 3, WV 3, WV3, and WV03. The entity maintains a presence on various knowledge platforms, with sitelinks across languages including English, German, Basque, Persian, Indonesian, Dutch, and Russian.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report