[1Old Pro]

They need better sensors to detect damage and they should inspect the vehicle prior to re-entry. If damage is found, they can fly to the space station and wait for a ride.

[krb]

If damage is found, they can fly to the space station and wait for a ride.

You can't just fly to the space station. The shuttle can only carry enough fuel to get to the space station if that's its only goal. The Space Station orbit is conducive to the Russians getting their pretty easily, but our guys have to burn something like 20% extra fuel just to move into the proper orbit to go there.