Aster, the multi-chain DEX backed by YZi Labs, announced on X that it carried out its S3 buyback program by repurchasing roughly 155.6 million ASTER and splitting that amount evenly: about 77.8 million tokens were permanently burned and an equal 77.8 million were moved into a locked wallet designated for future airdrops. The team said the dual action both reduces circulating supply and preserves tokens for community distribution.
According to Aster, the burn is intended to create scarcity and help support long-term value for ASTER holders, while the locked airdrop stash will fund community rewards and incentives. The project also confirmed that buyback activity is continuing under its S4 program.
At the time of the announcement ASTER was trading above $1, down roughly 2% over the prior 24 hours; the team noted the token has held up during recent market dips. Aster published a roadmap for the first half of 2026 that highlights a planned launch of its own layer-1 network. Other roadmap items include fiat on/off ramps, Aster Code developer tools, staking, governance, and Smart Money features targeted for Q2 2026.
Aster framed the combined strategy—supply reduction through burns plus reserved tokens for community incentives—as an effort to align token economics with platform growth and community engagement going forward.