^To obscure it against the earth when seen from aircraft above it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_camouflage
Right -- obviously. But certainly thermal sensors on a satellite would reveal a hot metal object among the foliage.
engage thermal shielding when you hit atmo, that should cut the heat out dramatically. use the kind that can be used in a suns corona, and re-entry wont be a problem.