Log buoy

A log buoy downloads all pertinent data from a starship or starbase under threat and stores it for future analysis by investigators. This device can withstand the total destruction of a starship or starbase with minimal damage, or can be launched in a last-ditch effort before destruction or capture. 

The log buoy can also be called a recorder-marker, recorder marker, mission recorder, data recorder, flight data recorder and flight recorder amongst other things.

The USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) had encounters with at least two recorder-markers within the first few months of their mission under Captain James Kirk's command. In 2265, the SS Valiant's recorder-marker from 2065 was brought aboard, surprisingly in working order. Months later, in 2266, the Enterprise launched a recorder-marker when threatened by , but it was destroyed. 

A Special Operations team using the USS Koru (NCC-59563) as a base of operations were responsible for recovering the USS William Hamilton (NCC-5707)'s flight recorder in 2372. The USS Cantabrian (NCC-24705) engineering team attempted to recover data from several Starfleet starships destroyed by the Myhr'an around the same time in the same year. During this time, chief engineer Ethan Arden called one flight recorder "a right little tart".