Testing the re-entry heat shield

Of course some people will wonder "Is there really any scientific value in being the first blog to bring a blind albino penguin (Aptenodytes albus) safely from orbit back to Earth?" but to Thundra and ZRM such cavilers we can only say "Pshaw!" Also "Ogive"! and "knapsack!"

If the heatshield proves to be inadequate then no matter, we will have the world's first penguin hot-tub. Or soup, whichever comes first.

UPDATED with Bonus seabird cuisine: