The Rutharian sector was a sector located outside Federation space during the 2370s. In 2371, while travelling through the sector the USS Olympia detected an unusual energy barrier surrounding a Class L planet in the sector and went to investigate. During the investigation the Olympia crashed on the planet. (DS9: "The Sound of Her Voice") In 2374, the USS Defiant entered the sector after receiving a time-shifted distress call from the Olympia. (DS9: "The Sound of Her Voice")