Tail number 844, the final SR-71 Blackbird produced, has been missing from its display area at NASA's California facility, and has not been detected by satellite imagery since May. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman recently presented a slide titled "Rebuilding our X-plane portfolio" that featured a jet resembling the aircraft and replied "That's classified" when asked about bringing the SR-71 back into service. NASA has since stated it has no additional information to share regarding the jet's location.

The aircraft is the last of only 32 Blackbirds ever built and was previously upgraded with digital controls to reduce engine unstarts. It is associated with a still-standing 1976 speed record of 2,193 mph and operating altitudes above 80,000 feet. Maintenance remains a hurdle for potential flights as the J58 engines require JP-7 fuel, which is no longer in regular production.