NASA Moves SR-71, but Flight Plans Remain Unconfirmed

NASA has removed SR-71 tail number 844 from public display at its Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, while reports say the agency has contacted former Blackbird personnel about potentially helping return an aircraft to flight. NASA has not confirmed that it plans to restore or fly the aircraft, or explained why it was moved. Tail 844 was the last SR-71 built and the last to fly, completing its final flight in 1999. It had been displayed outdoors at the research center near Edwards Air Force Base. Commercial satellite imagery reviewed in reporting showed it had been moved by a date before May 17, 2026. The reported outreach traces to a report that NASA approached former engineers and other personnel for help with a possible return to flight. Former test engineer Mike Relja said he was contacted and declined, according to accounts of the report. The reported conversations do not establish that NASA has approved a restoration project, set a schedule or identified a mission for the aircraft. Speculation intensified after NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman promoted renewed work on experimental aircraft at the All-In Summit.