Aster Chain’s Mainnet Set for March Launch as ASTER Token Surges Over 14%

TheNewsCryptoОпубликовано 2026-02-12Обновлено 2026-02-12

Введение

Aster, a multi-chain DEX for spot and perpetual futures trading, is transitioning to a network-first model with its own Layer 1 blockchain, Aster Chain. The mainnet is scheduled to launch in March 2026, focusing on high-speed, private derivatives trading using zero-knowledge proofs to conceal position sizes and P&L data while ensuring on-chain verifiability. The chain also features an order book-like system and sub-second finality for a centralized exchange experience. According to its 2026 roadmap, the testnet was opened to whitelisted users in December 2025 and publicly on January 5. The mainnet launch is set for mid-to-late March, with plans for integrated fiat on/off-ramps, staking, on-chain governance, and a feature called "Aster Smart Money" for strategy sharing. Following the announcement, the ASTER token surged over 14%, trading at $0.7489, with a 13% increase in 24-hour trading volume. It was among the top gainers in the top 100 cryptos by market cap, gaining 7% over the past month despite broader downtrends.

Aster, a multi‐chain on‐chain DEX with both spot and perpetual futures, is transitioning to a network-first model with its own Layer 1 blockchain, Aster Chain.

According to the Aster team’s X post on February 12, they will launch Aster Chain’s mainnet in March. It continued with, “Privacy is good. Aster is good,” which means the Aster mainnet will handle high-volume trading with enhanced privacy and faster execution.

Aster is being built for high-speed, private derivatives trading. For optimized speed and privacy, the chain employs zero-knowledge proofs, which enable traders to conceal position sizes and profit-and-loss information while maintaining on-chain verifiability of trades. Aster also seeks to provide a more centralized exchange experience by using a system similar to an order book and sub-second finality for high-frequency trading.

Aster’s 2026 Roadmap

As the Aster Chain mainnet launch is already affirmed in Aster’s 2026 roadmap, the testnet was first opened for whitelisted members in December 2025 and was opened to the public on January 5.

According to the roadmap, the Layer 1 chain is mentioned to arrive in the first quarter of 2026, and the mainnet launch is scheduled for mid- to end-March 2026. Also, the roadmap includes integrated fiat on- and off-ramps, where users will be able to switch between traditional money and crypto directly.

Aster then intends to introduce staking and on-chain governance for the ASTER token in the second quarter, allowing users to directly participate in upcoming developments. Also, to introduce Aster Smart Money, where users can share their data or follow other top trading strategies.

ASTER Price Update

ASTER is today’s second top gainer among the first 100 cryptos by market cap, as per CoinMarketCap data. The announcement coincided with the token surge of more than 14% and is trading at $0.7489, with 24-hour trading volume having increased by over 13%. Also, over the past month, ASTER has gained 7%, highlighting the confidence even amid a broader crypto market downtrend.

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Связанные с этим вопросы

QWhat is the main purpose of Aster Chain according to the article?

AAster Chain is being built for high-speed, private derivatives trading, aiming to provide a more centralized exchange-like experience with features like an order book system and sub-second finality.

QWhen is the Aster Chain mainnet scheduled to launch?

AThe Aster Chain mainnet is scheduled to launch in mid- to end-March 2026.

QWhat technology does Aster Chain use to optimize speed and privacy for traders?

AAster Chain employs zero-knowledge proofs to optimize speed and privacy, allowing traders to conceal position sizes and profit-and-loss information while maintaining on-chain verifiability.

QHow did the announcement of the ASTER token's mainnet launch affect its price?

AFollowing the announcement, the ASTER token surged more than 14% and became the second top gainer among the top 100 cryptos by market cap on that day.

QWhat are two key features planned for the ASTER token in the second quarter of 2026, as per the roadmap?

AThe roadmap plans to introduce staking and on-chain governance for the ASTER token in the second quarter of 2026, allowing users to participate directly in developments and share or follow trading strategies through Aster Smart Money.

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