But the ambitious construction schedule, the CAIB cautioned, was a major reason for what put Columbia at risk in the first place.

CNN: Shuttle not likely to fly by spring, experts say

Despite such predictions, the CAIB chairman said he thought there is a chance the shuttle could return to service between six and nine months.

CNN: Shuttle not likely to fly by spring, experts say

Among dozens of long-term suggestions, which deal in large part with institutional changes to make the NASA bureaucracy more safety conscious, the CAIB report offered eight short-term recommendations before returning to flight, many of which concern engineering issues.

CNN: Shuttle not likely to fly by spring, experts say