Kobayashi Maru

Kobayashi Maru is a test of command ability administered by Starfleet. The scenario requires the test subject to command a starship patrolling a disputed border (typically a neutral zone along the border with the Klingons). During the patrol, the starship receives a distress signal from a freighter, the Kobayashi Maru. The freighter is crippled and losing life support, and they request a rescue from the starship.

By design, rescuing the crew of the crippled freighter is impossible. If the starship enters the neutral zone to get within transporter range of the freighter, a fleet of Klingon warships will attack the starship with overwhelming numbers. The simulation essentially cheats: no tactics used by the test subject to defeat or bypass the Klingon warships will succeed. The typical result of the test is the destruction of the subject's ship.

The Kobayashi Maru is test is administered as a test of character. It's apparent intent is to determine whether the cadet can continue to do his or her duty even when faced with overwhelming odds in a hopeless situation.

Trivia

• James T. Kirk is the only Starfleet cadet to ever beat the Kobayashi Maru test. On his third attempt, he reprogrammed the simulation so that he could save the freighter. He got a commendation for original thinking (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan).
• In the latest Star Trek movie, the test is actually designed by Spock.