## 5 Discussion
To maintain traceability, a comprehensive traceability matrix within Capella ensured that each requirement was linked to corresponding elements across the functional, logical, and physical architectures. Regular updates based on feedback from validation checks facilitated continuous verification and validation, ensuring that the evolving design met stakeholder expectations and technical requirements. Throughout the preliminary design phase, the unified model provided by MBSE maintained consistency across all subsystems. The structured approach of MBSE not onlyhelped avoid design rework but also streamlined the process, completing the initial phase in a shorter timeframe than anticipated. By adopting MBSE, the technical and operational feasibility of the \({}^{3}\)ColStar mission was thoroughly assessed and optimized from the early stages, leading to a more reliable and well-planned satellite design. The application of the Arcadia method for the Preliminary Design of the \({}^{3}\)ColStar mission enabled the completion of this process within a remarkable timeframe of just 4 months, facilitated by weekly general sprints. This timeframe compares favorably with the recommendations provided in Space project management--Project planning and implementation (ECSS-M-ST-10C Rev. 1) [43], and NASA Procedural Requirements (NPRs) [44], which suggest a duration of 1 to 6 months for similar processes. The utilization of this methodology in other 1U CubeSat missions has demonstrated improved conceptualization, enhanced communication between subsystems, and technical precision, thereby minimizing errors in mission development [122]. It is worth noting that having a framework process as Arcadia allowed each subsystem team to make progress individually and integrate each team result easily. In the case of the \({}^{3}\)ColStar mission, our goal is to allow collaboration among different universities and organizations, particularly because each has different core competencies and resources, and the organizations do not have members with the same skills. Therefore, we assigned subsystems to universities/organizations based on their capabilities/skills/resources/knowledge. Thus, using Arcadia and MBSE allowed us to have a way to centralize the design decisions and progress. Furthermore, the incorporation of Capella into our approach provided a means to achieve technical consistency through digitalized processes, aligning with the principles of Agile methodology. The implementation of Capella facilitated the creation of a Shared system model with multiple views, connected to discipline models, thereby formalizing aspects of systems engineering through model-based systems engineering (MBSE). It is crucial to note that MBSE does not replace traditional systems engineering, but rather complements it with rigorous methods and tools, ensuring coherency within the model and managing technical consistency across various architectural documents. All in all, with our study we provide more evidence on how combining Agile methods with system engineering practices helps to face challenges in CubeSat projects, following the line of research of previous works. For instance, [PERSON] [5] reported how integrating systems engineering and Project Management was used in the context of the HYPSO CubeSat project. Similarly to our study, Capella and Arcadia were also used as part of the SE and PM processes. However, our study's goal was broader: understanding the factors that impact the success rate of university-developed small satellites when the space assets are used in a greater system-of-systems context. Both [PERSON]'s and our study (in projects of different scales) provide researchers and practitioners with evidence of practices and actionable knowledge when using Agile methodologies in aerospace projects. In both cases, there is evidence of how using Agile methods reduced time in the process; while [PERSON] shows evidence of reduced time between mission concept definition and launch, in our case Agile methods were useful to reduce the mission design time.