Comment Better idea; resupply the shuttle (Score 1) 247
The report deals with a tragedy 11 years ago (Feb 2003), and how it could've been handled 11 years ago. Fast forward to February 2014. Let's use today's tech. We've got SpaceX and other commercial entities capable of launching supplies into orbit and rendezvouing with with ISS or a shuttle.
If any similar missions are undertaken in future, pay SpaceX/whomever, to have a launch vehicle with emergency supplies on standby. In a worst case, send up enough oxygen/water/rations/etc to allow the orbiting shuttle crew to survive longer on the orbiting shuttle. This would buy enough extra time to do a proper and safe inspection+launch of the rescue shuttle. In a best case, they might be able to carry out the necessary repairs and safely land the orbiting shuttle.