Key Takeaways

• Decentralized derivatives exchange (DEX) Aster is debating whether to apply a vesting schedule to its major upcoming token airdrop.

• CEO Leonard stated that vesting is being considered to limit immediate sell pressure on the ASTER token and better align incentives for long-term holding.

• As the October 5th cutoff for the 320 million ASTER token (~$600M value) airdrop nears, Aster’s daily perpetual DEX volume surged to a record $85 billion.

The team behind the decentralized derivatives exchange Aster is currently debating a critical tokenomics decision: whether to implement a vesting schedule for the recipients of its highly anticipated Season Two token airdrop.

CEO Leonard confirmed in a recent livestream that the core team is weighing the options to ensure a balance between rewarding early community participants and maintaining the market stability of the ASTER token.

By locking up tokens and releasing them gradually, the practice effectively limits immediate sell pressure and encourages recipients to become long-term stakeholders, aligning their incentives with the project’s success.

Leonard indicated that a final decision on the matter, along with a detailed explanation, is expected to be announced within the next “two to three days.”

Massive $600 Million Airdrop Incoming

The distribution at stake is substantial, with Aster previously allocating over 50% of its total token supply to community rewards. 

Aster Airdrop Genesis Season 2

For Season Two, the project is set to release 320 million ASTER tokens, valued at approximately $600 million.

The CEO’s concerns about potential selling pressure are justified given the sheer size of the drop, with the team specifically evaluating the impact of releasing even a 4% supply share all at once. The needs of existing Aster tokenholders are also a key factor in the deliberation.

Record-Breaking Volume Driven by Incentives

Coinciding with the nearing airdrop snapshot, Aster’s activity has soared. The platform’s 24-hour perpetual DEX trading volume recently skyrocketed to an impressive $85 billion, according to DefiLlama data.

This volume is more than 12 times that of its closest competitor, Lighter, highlighting the frenzy of activity driven by the incentivized point-earning period.

The cutoff for accumulating points in Season Two is scheduled for October 5th at 11:59 pm UTC, confirming that participants will receive final instructions shortly before the snapshot is taken.

However, despite the current volume highs suggesting massive adoption, community skepticism remains about whether this level of engagement is sustainable once the airdrop incentives are fully distributed and the focus shifts away from farming.

Final Thoughts

Aster’s serious consideration of vesting is a sign of maturity in managing large token distributions. The decision will be critical in determining the market dynamics and the long-term community loyalty for the ASTER token immediately following its record-setting, incentive-driven launch activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Aster considering vesting for its airdrop?
To prevent a massive post-airdrop sell-off by recipients and to encourage long-term participation by aligning incentives.

How many ASTER tokens will be distributed in Season Two?
The airdrop will distribute 320 million ASTER tokens, which currently holds an approximate value of $600 million.

When is the final cutoff to qualify for the airdrop?
The deadline for earning points in the current season is October 5th at 11:59 pm UTC.