This Hasselblad ELS is the same model as those used on space shuttle missions to photograph Earth and activity inside the orbiter, though it was likely only used in training astronauts prior to flight. Following Wally Schirra's Mercury Sigma 7 mission, Hasselblad cameras flew to space aboard every American spacecraft through the early 2000s with the conversion to exclusively digital photography. Collaborating with NASA, Hasselblad refined this essentially commercial model over time for the needs of the space environment, particularly by developing an improved mirror mechanism. It was accompanied by multiple lenses and magazines to allow astronauts many options for capturing images of their views and experiences.

NASA transferred this camera to the Museum in 2008.