Aster is taking another step to reward loyal users as it moves closer to a key network milestone.
Summary
- Aster’s Stage 5 airdrop distributes 1.2% of supply with an optional three-month vesting period
- Early claims trigger token burns, reinforcing supply discipline
- The phase leads into Aster Chain’s testnet and mainnet launch in early 2026
Aster is entering a new phase of its airdrop program as it shifts toward lower emissions and prepares to launch its own blockchain.
According to a Dec. 17 announcement, Aster’s fifth airdrop phase, known as Crystal, will begin on Dec. 22 and run for six weeks through Feb. 1, 2026.
Stage 5 airdrop introduces lower emissions and vesting choice
The phase will distribute 1.2% of the total Aster (ASTER) supply, roughly 96 million tokens, marking the project’s lowest-emission airdrop to date. The allocation is split evenly.
Half of the tokens are available immediately as a base allocation, while the remaining half is granted as a bonus that unlocks after a three-month vesting period. Users must decide between accessing part of their allocation right away or waiting to receive the full amount.
If a user claims early, the vesting bonus is forfeited and permanently burned. Aster said this structure is designed to reduce sell pressure while introducing a deflationary element tied directly to early claims.
Participation details have not changed materially from earlier stages. Based on how previous stages were structured, eligibility generally depends on users’ activity within the Aster platform, such as their trading volume in perpetuals. The final eligibility requirements and claiming tools will be released closer to launch.
Aster Chain roadmap and buyback clarification
As Aster gets closer to launching its own layer-1 blockchain, Aster Chain, Stage 5 marks a shift toward the project’s next phase. The main network is expected to launch in Q1 2026, and a testnet is scheduled for late December. The initial release does not include staking and governance tools, which are planned for Q2 2026.
Building its own chain will help the platform manage transaction fees, validator rewards, and protocol upgrades directly. This will tie the token’s value more closely to actual network use.
Alongside the airdrop update, Aster also addressed confusion around its buyback program. The team said Stage 4 buybacks were accelerated in early December, with roughly $32 million executed over eight days, using about 90% of accumulated Stage 4 fee income.
Buybacks resumed on Dec. 17 and will continue through the end of Stage 4 on Dec. 21. Aster said buybacks will remain a standing policy, with updated parameters to be shared after Stage 4 concludes.
ASTER was trading at $0.6919 at press time, down about 10% on the day and 44% over the past month, reflecting broader market pressure rather than a change in project fundamentals.
