The last of the Gemini missions carried this lens for use with a Maurer 70mm camera. The camera and lens were used on Gemini 12 for a variety of scientific photography objectives. The equipment available for these experiments was extensive and included lenses of different focal lengths, special filters, and extra film magazines, which increased the types and amount of photographic work astronauts could do in space.
NASA transferred this lens to the Museum in 1976.
This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.