Serine/threonine-protein kinase that phosphorylates histone H3 at 'Ser-3' (H3T3ph) during mitosis. This positions and activates AURKB and other components of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) at centromeres to ensure proper chromatid cohesion; metaphase alignment and normal progression through the cell cycle. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:10358056; ECO:0000269|PubMed:15681610}.