Vital Lyfe releases portable desalination device for $749
Former SpaceX engineers have launched a portable reverse osmosis system designed to convert seawater into drinkable water for off-grid use.
Vital Lyfe has introduced the Access, a portable desalination apparatus priced at $749, intended for use by campers, sailors, and regions without reliable water access. The device, which is roughly the size of a large toolbox, utilizes reverse osmosis technology to process seawater into fresh drinking water at a rate of approximately 6 gallons per hour.
Founded by former SpaceX engineers, the company prioritized design for mass manufacturing, utilizing a facility in the Los Angeles area to keep costs lower than conventional marine desalination systems. A key design feature is the filter system, which the company claims can be replaced in under 30 seconds, addressing a frequent maintenance hurdle for similar portable devices.
The company is initially marketing the product to recreational consumers and emergency preparedness markets. However, Vital Lyfe plans to partner with nonprofits to provide the technology to developing nations, aiming to lower costs further through increased production volume. CEO Jonathan Criss indicated that the strategy relies on using initial commercial success to subsidize broader distribution to water-scarce regions.