The Olympus Rover Trials (ORT) challenge student teams to design, build, and operate a rover for a simulated Mars sample return mission. Students create a rover concept, undergo a thorough review by space industry engineers, and balance performance parameters.

The competition aims to:

1. Engage students in complex systems engineering for a realistic space mission.
2. Apply and learn technical skills relevant to the space industry in a project setting.
3. Develop teamwork, leadership, and project management skills.
4. Spark interest in space engineering and robotics.

In essence, ORT provides students with a hands-on, real-world experience to prepare them for careers in the space sector.