[Jedi Master Yoda]

When they retired the SR-71 many years ago, I figured they had something much better or they wouldn't have retired it.

I thought the SR-71 was retired because our spy satellites had become sufficiently advanced.

[FReepaholic]

>>...I thought the SR-71 was retired because our spy satellites had become sufficiently advanced...<<

Well, I thought that also. But, a man-piloted craft (whether on-board or remote) can attempt a mission at any time whereas with a satellite you're limited to the time that it makes a pass over the target.