You seem to be suggesting but not outright saying something that is a misconception: The SR-71 did in fact have a pressurized cockpit, which was also air condi

You seem to be suggesting but not outright saying something that is a misconception: The SR-71 did in fact have a pressurized cockpit, which was also air conditioned as well (it had to be, because the aircraft would cook the crew otherwise.) The SR-71 was sophisticated in other ways as well; for instance in having ejection seats. In fact the first four shuttle flights (all Columbia) had ejection seats too and guess where they got those seats from? The SR-71 of course. And on those flights with ejection seats, guess what the shuttle crew wore? They wore pressure suits, like those worn by SR-71 crew! They stopped wearing those starting with STS-5, when they removed the ejection seats. However the pressure suits (though not the ejection seats) came back after the demise of the Challenger. What I am not saying: that the shuttle was simple. What I am saying: That the SR-71 was more sophisticated than you've given it credit for.