"Arie Kazachin" wrote

If memory serves, that was the reason that SR-71 had been
returned to service few years before being retired finally (at least,
so far): sats were not flexible enough (remember, you can't refuel
them and changing orbit takes LOTS of fuel).

It was forced on the USAF by Congress. The USAF wanted to spend the
money on more important stuff (like dormitories to get the enlisted troops
off the economy, and off of welfare).

You may not be aware, but most recce sats are nuclear powered, and the
fuel to scoot them around does not have to be combustible.