TLDR
- Aster’s open interest soared to $5B in just two weeks since its launch.
- Aster’s second airdrop phase starts October 10, offering spot trading bonuses.
- Over 2 million users have joined Aster, driven by its airdrop campaigns.
- Aster’s ASTER token surged 1,650% in its first 24 hours, gaining wide attention.
Aster’s rapid ascent in the DeFi perpetuals market has captured significant attention, with the platform’s open interest surging to $5 billion in just two weeks. This follows the explosive growth of its ASTER token, which saw a 1,650% increase in its first 24 hours. As Aster prepares for its second airdrop phase on October 10, expectations continue to rise for the platform’s future, but the broader DeFi market remains under scrutiny.
Aster’s Growth and Open Interest Surge
In a remarkable development, Aster has seen its open interest reach $5 billion, just two weeks after launching. This dramatic rise puts it on par with established players like Hyperliquid, which has been a leader in the DeFi derivatives space for a while.
Aster’s impressive growth is partly driven by its strategic use of airdrops, which attracted millions of new users. The airdrop has proven to be a highly effective user acquisition tool, with the platform reporting over 2 million total users by September 2025.
The open interest surge has sparked interest among investors, with some seeing it as a sign of the platform’s growing influence. As Aster prepares to launch its second airdrop phase, it is expected to increase engagement further. The phase will introduce new reward mechanics, including spot trading bonuses and team-based multipliers, set to go live on October 10.
Airdrop Phase 2 and Reward Structure
The second phase of Aster’s airdrop will officially begin on October 10, with tokens distributed starting on October 14. The phase will introduce a more advanced reward structure aimed at increasing long-term user engagement.
Among the updates, there will be spot trading bonuses, new scoring tiers, and team-based multipliers that incentivize collaboration. These adjustments are part of Aster’s broader strategy to drive sustained participation and solidify its position in the DeFi space.
The airdrop is not just about attracting new users. It also serves as a mechanism for rewarding current participants. Unlike traditional airdrops, Aster’s rewards will come without a lock-up period, giving participants immediate access to their tokens. This is seen as a move to increase liquidity and encourage the use of the ASTER token in the platform’s derivative markets.
Market Volatility and Regulatory Scrutiny
Despite Aster’s growth, market volatility and regulatory concerns remain significant challenges. The platform’s ties to high-profile figures, such as Binance’s former CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ), and its high-risk, 1001x leverage model have attracted regulatory scrutiny. These factors could influence the platform’s long-term stability, as regulators tighten their focus on the DeFi sector.
On the other hand, Aster’s competitors, such as Hyperliquid, are also facing challenges. Hyperliquid has suffered a recent market exploit, which wiped out $130 million in open interest. This incident raised questions about the systemic risks that continue to exist within DeFi derivatives markets, despite technological advancements.
Looking Ahead for Aster
As Aster moves into its second airdrop phase, the focus will shift to how it continues to manage its tokenomics and handle potential risks. Its aggressive token distribution strategy, including the significant portion allocated to airdrops and ecosystem growth, raises questions about future inflationary pressure on the ASTER token. The platform’s rapid growth could face headwinds if the market turns, or if its liquidity dries up due to the highly speculative nature of its user base.
While the future of Aster looks promising, especially with its ongoing developments and community-focused rewards, it must navigate several key risks. The DeFi landscape remains volatile, and only time will tell whether Aster can maintain its momentum amid increasing competition and regulatory challenges.
