Aster Launches Fifth-Phase Airdrop, Distributing 1.2% of Token Supply Starting Dec. 22

Aster is rewarding its loyal users once again as it approaches an important milestone for its network. The project is transitioning into a new phase of its airdrop program, focusing on lower emissions and preparing for its own blockchain launch.

Key Takeaways

Aster's fifth airdrop phase, called Crystal, starts on December 22 and lasts until February 1, 2026.
This airdrop will distribute 1.2% of the total Aster token supply, approximately 96 million tokens, marking the project’s lowest-emission airdrop to date.
Token distribution will be split, with half available immediately and the rest granted after a three-month vesting period, offering users a choice between immediate access or waiting for the full allocation.
Aster is moving closer to launching its layer-1 blockchain, Aster Chain, with a mainnet expected in Q1 2026.
Recent buyback programs totaling around $32 million have been conducted, aimed at stabilizing the token's market presence.

Aster sets Dec. 22 start for Stage 5 airdrop

Phase 5 Airdrop: Crystal — A Shift Towards Sustainable Emissions

Beginning on December 22, Aster's fifth airdrop phase, known as Crystal, will be the project’s lowest-emission airdrop to date. This phase distributes 1.2% of the total Aster supply, or about 96 million tokens, to encourage supply discipline as the platform prepares for the launch of Aster Chain.

The allocation process will be divided equally, with half of the tokens available immediately as a base allocation. The remaining half will be granted as a bonus, which users can unlock after a three-month vesting period. This means participants must choose whether to claim a portion of their allocation right away or wait to receive the full amount.

If a user claims their tokens early, they will forfeit the vesting bonus, which will then be permanently removed from circulation. Aster has structured this program to help alleviate sell pressure and introduce a deflationary aspect linked to early claims.

Participation criteria will largely mirror those of previous airdrop stages, determined by user activity on the Aster platform, such as trading volume in perpetuals. Specific eligibility requirements and claiming tools will be announced closer to the launch date.

Aster Chain Development and Buyback Program Update

As Aster progresses toward the launch of its layer-1 blockchain, Aster Chain, the fifth airdrop phase signifies a pivotal shift for the project. The main network is projected to launch in the first quarter of 2026, with a testnet expected to launch in late December. The initial release will not include staking and governance features, which are planned for the second quarter of 2026.

Launching its own blockchain will enable Aster to handle transaction fees, validator rewards, and protocol upgrades more effectively, directly linking the token's value to its actual usage on the network.

In addition to the airdrop announcement, Aster addressed recent concerns regarding its buyback program. The team has reported that Stage 4 buybacks were expedited in early December, resulting in approximately $32 million within eight days, utilizing about 90% of the accumulated fee income from Stage 4.

These buybacks resumed on December 17 and will continue until Stage 4 concludes on December 21. Aster confirmed that buybacks will remain an ongoing policy, with further details to be shared following the completion of Stage 4.

As of the last update, ASTER was trading at $0.6919, reflecting a 10% decline for the day and a 44% drop over the last month, influenced largely by broader market pressures rather than changes in the project’s fundamentals.