Multi-Payload USV Operations for Real-Time Ocean Sensing and Satellite Validation: A Proof of Concept

In-situ ocean observations are essential for satellite data validation, improving the reliability of environmental monitoring, providing data for modeling, and informing decision-making processes that impact ocean policy and management. We present a small, versatile and user-friendly uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) equipped with diverse sensor payloads for real-time, in-situ ocean sensing. Our approach focuses on making technological solutions available to non-expert users, and providing data in real time for efficient and productive field campaigns. We conducted a series of field campaigns demonstrating the use of different payloads for ocean monitoring, including 1) automatic collection of surface water samples 2) automatic collection of surface trawls for plankton and microplastics, 3) water leaving reflectance measurements using a sky-blocked approach (RAMSES sensor, TriOS GmbH) and 4) acoustic surveys of underwater environments (WBT-mini echo sounder, Kongsberg Maritime). Simultaneous operation of multiple USVs configured with different payloads provides a more comprehensive dataset which supports both satellite validation needs and in-situ data collection. Real-time data transmission capabilities enhance operational efficiency and data integration, supporting near-immediate analysis and decision-making. The work presented here demonstrates the potential for scalable USV operations, as each vehicle is compact, portable, and highly adaptable, making it feasible to deploy multiple USVs across a broad area. Preliminary results indicate robust data quality across the varied payloads and successful interoperability in the field, suggesting that USV-based systems could be instrumental in expanding the accessibility and spatial resolution of oceanographic data. These findings advance the goal of aligning scientific research with actionable ocean policy, illustrating the value of collaborative and innovative approaches to ocean sensing.