The report looks at the list of recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board after the February 1 crash, and how they can be applied to the space station, as well as steps taken by partners to improve safety in orbit.

In the document NASA reveals that the exterior of the station has been inspected and that the inspection did not raise red flags.

"The ISS external survey using external cameras is complete. Results indicate that ISS exterior hardware is generally performing as expected and no significant anomalies have yet been revealed," the study indicates.

The authors also run down a list 13 supplementary recommendations, specifically for the ISS, including the review of all exemptions station officials had issues, particularly on security.

"The ISS Program has instituted a plan to periodically perform external surveys of the ISS using on-board assets," the statement noted.

The authors said the "ISS partnership has stepped up to the challenge of keeping the ISS crewed and operating safely as NASA works through the activities to return the space shuttle to flight."

In October, NASA reported that a problem piece of medical equipment on the ISS, reported by two NASA scientists, would be replaced.

The Columbia shuttle claimed the lives of seven astronauts. NASA gave itself a year to implement changes needed on the heels of the Columbia accident.

Atlantis, now at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, is due to lead the shuttles' return to flight. The launch date has not yet been announced.

SPACE.WIRE