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New European satellite launch is delayed

The launch of a new European-built weather satellite has been delayed by 24 hours after a warning light flashed seven minutes before its scheduled lift off in French Guiana, last night.

The MSG-1 had been due to be launched around 11.30pm Irish time.

Technicians have been working to establish the cause of the problem.

Experts say the satellite could give meteorologists more accurate and up-to-date information about climate change as well as extreme weather conditions such as cyclones and flash floods.

The MSG is designed to transmit 20 times more information than its predecessor, the Meteosat system.