[TheDon]

They should not use shuttles that are incapable of reaching the ISS for example. Other posters have stated that Columbia can't reach the ISS orbit. If so, they should have retired it. Shuttles should always have enough fuel to reach the ISS.

Also, they have a shuttle ready to launch next month. They can make sure that a followup shuttle is available for rescue missions.

I'm certain the clever engineers of NASA can come up with many other ways to save the crew in a situation like this.

[Cold Heat]

So you are saying that all future launches should go to the ISS for inspection prior to re-entry until a new design that does not have these weaknesses can be developed.....................................

I agree that this would mitigate the tile damage on launch problem, but so would changing the tank coating or perhaps building the insulation into the tank like a thermos bottle.