Miniaturized drifting buoy platform for the creation of undersatellite calibration and validation network

Oceanographic drifting buoys play an essential role in collecting valuable data on sea surface processes and contribute to the calibration and validation of ocean monitoring satellite missions. In this paper, we present the design, development, and validation of the Miniaturized Electronics Lagrangian Oceanographic Drifter (MELODI), a versatile and cost-effective oceanographic drifting buoy capable of addressing various sea surface observation tasks. The MELODI project aims to provide an electronic platform, algorithmic solutions, and technical framework for constructing task-specific drifting buoys. We showcase the MELODI platform hardware, data communication and storage options, onboard sensors, and customizable buoy hull designs. Additionally, we introduce four predefined task-specific configurations for the MELODI buoy, tailored to address different oceanographic measurement requirements. Through extensive in-situ validation campaigns, we demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of our oceanographic drifting buoy in various conditions and settings. This innovative solution is poised to significantly enhance oceanographic research and applications by providing a more reliable, accurate, and versatile tool for numerous maritime and scientific use cases.