ASTRO Staking Earnings Calculator
Estimate potential rewards from staking ASTRO tokens on AstroSwap based on current APY rates. Note: APY rates can change and are subject to market conditions.
What Is AstroSwap?
AstroSwap is the first decentralized exchange (DEX) built exclusively for the Cardano blockchain. Launched in October 2023, it was designed to solve two big problems Cardano users faced: low liquidity and slow trading speeds on existing DEXs like SundaeSwap and Minswap.
Unlike most crypto exchanges that work across multiple blockchains, AstroSwap focuses only on Cardano. That means if you’re holding ADA, $LOVE, $SHIBA, or any other Cardano-native token, AstroSwap lets you swap them directly without needing bridges or wrapped tokens. It’s simple, direct, and built for people who already live in the Cardano ecosystem.
The platform runs on a hybrid setup: the main interface and token swaps happen on Cardano, but the underlying speed and transaction handling come from the Velas blockchain - a high-performance fork of Solana. This combo gives AstroSwap a reported 75,000 transactions per second (TPS), which is way faster than Cardano’s native 250 TPS. That’s the secret sauce behind its smooth trading experience.
How Does AstroSwap Work?
AstroSwap uses an Automated Market Maker (AMM) model, just like Uniswap or PancakeSwap. You don’t need buyers and sellers to match orders. Instead, you deposit your tokens into liquidity pools, and the system uses math to set prices automatically.
To use it, you need:
- A Cardano-compatible wallet (Nami, Eternl, or Flint)
- Some ADA to pay for transaction fees
- Access to a web browser - no app needed yet
Once connected, you can swap tokens, add liquidity, or stake your ASTRO tokens. The interface is clean and intuitive. If you’ve used a DEX before, you’ll feel right at home. No confusing menus, no hidden buttons. Just pick your tokens, enter the amount, and click swap.
Trading fees are fixed at 0.3% per trade, which matches industry standards. There’s no tiered pricing like on Binance or Kraken, but that’s expected for a DEX. You’re paying for decentralization, not discounts.
The ASTRO Token: Rewards, Supply, and Staking
The native token of AstroSwap is ASTRO. It has a fixed supply of 10 billion tokens - no inflation, no surprises.
Here’s the kicker: 4.5 billion ASTRO tokens (45% of the total supply) are reserved for staking rewards. That’s more than most projects allocate for incentives. Early stakers can earn APYs reported to be over 100%, sometimes hitting 200%+ depending on pool size and participation.
Staking ASTRO isn’t just about earning more tokens. It’s the gateway to future perks:
- Exclusive access to new token listings
- Entry into the planned lottery system (launching Q1 2024)
- Voting rights on future platform upgrades
There’s no lock-up period. You can unstake anytime. But if you stake longer, your reward multiplier increases. The longer you hold, the more you earn - a classic DeFi incentive model.
What Makes AstroSwap Different?
Cardano already had SundaeSwap, Minswap, and WingRiders. So why does AstroSwap matter?
First-mover advantage on Cardano: It’s the first DEX built from the ground up for Cardano’s ecosystem, not just ported over. That means deeper integration with Cardano’s smart contract layer and wallet standards.
Speed without compromise: By using Velas as its backbone, AstroSwap avoids Cardano’s slow transaction times. You get near-instant swaps without leaving the Cardano network. That’s a huge win for traders who hate waiting 15 seconds for a confirmation.
Tokenomics designed for loyalty: The 45% staking allocation isn’t just generous - it’s strategic. It’s meant to lock in long-term users, not just speculators. Compare that to other DEXs that give away 10-20% for liquidity mining and then watch users leave after claiming rewards.
And unlike ApeSwap (on BNB Chain) or SushiSwap (on Ethereum), AstroSwap doesn’t chase every chain. It’s focused. That’s risky - but if Cardano grows, AstroSwap grows with it.
Limitations and Risks
For all its strengths, AstroSwap isn’t perfect.
No mobile app yet: As of November 2025, you can only access AstroSwap via desktop browser. No iOS or Android app. That’s a problem for users who trade on the go.
Limited token support: At launch, only Cardano-based tokens are supported. You can’t swap Bitcoin or Ethereum directly. You need to bridge them first using third-party services like Portal Bridge, which adds complexity.
Liquidity is still low: Compared to SundaeSwap, which had $120 million in TVL before AstroSwap, AstroSwap’s liquidity pools are smaller. That means higher slippage on large trades - sometimes over 2% on less popular tokens.
Anonymous team: The developers are anonymous. No names, no LinkedIn profiles, no interviews. That’s common in DeFi, but it’s still a red flag for cautious users. There’s no team page, no roadmap signed by real people.
Dependency on Velas: If the Velas blockchain has an outage or security issue, AstroSwap goes down too. That’s a single point of failure in an otherwise decentralized system.
Who Is AstroSwap For?
AstroSwap isn’t for everyone. But it’s perfect for:
- Cardano loyalists: You believe in Cardano’s tech and want to trade only within its ecosystem.
- Stakers looking for high APY: If you’re tired of 5% yields on Ethereum, AstroSwap’s 100%+ APYs are hard to ignore.
- Early adopters: You’re okay with minor bugs and low liquidity if you believe in the long-term vision.
- Traders who hate bridges: No more wrapping ADA into wADA or using sidechains. Just swap native tokens.
It’s NOT for:
- Users who need mobile access
- People trading large amounts of low-liquidity tokens
- Those who want KYC or customer support that answers in under 48 hours
- Investors who need a known team to trust
How Does It Compare to Other DEXs?
| Feature | AstroSwap | SundaeSwap | Minswap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blockchain | Cardano + Velas | Cardano | Cardano |
| TPS Speed | 75,000 | 250 | 250 |
| Trading Fee | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.25% |
| Native Token | ASTRO | SUNDAE | MIN |
| Staking Reward Allocation | 45% of supply | 15% of supply | 12% of supply |
| Mobile App | No | Yes | Yes |
| Liquidity (TVL) | $28M | $85M | $52M |
| Team Transparency | Anonymous | Anonymous | Anonymous |
As you can see, AstroSwap sacrifices liquidity and mobile access for speed and staking rewards. If you care about earning, it’s the best choice. If you care about reliability and ease of use, SundaeSwap or Minswap are safer.
Getting Started: Step-by-Step
- Download and set up a Cardano wallet (Nami or Eternl recommended).
- Buy some ADA from a centralized exchange like Kraken or Coinbase and send it to your wallet.
- Go to app.astroswap.io (official site only - watch for scams).
- Click "Connect Wallet" and select your wallet.
- Choose the tokens you want to swap (e.g., ADA to $LOVE).
- Review the price, slippage (set to 1.5% max), and fee.
- Confirm the transaction in your wallet.
- Once confirmed, your tokens appear in your wallet.
- Optional: Go to the Staking page and stake your ASTRO tokens for rewards.
First-time users should start with a small swap - $10 to $20 worth - to test the flow. Don’t rush into large trades until you’ve confirmed the interface works smoothly with your wallet.
Future Roadmap
AstroSwap’s team has shared a clear roadmap:
- Q1 2024: Launch of the lottery system - users who stake ASTRO get entries for token giveaways.
- Q2 2024: Mobile apps for iOS and Android.
- Q3 2024: Cross-chain support for Bitcoin and Ethereum via atomic swaps.
- Q4 2024: Integration with Cardano’s upcoming smart contract upgrades (Plutus V3).
If they deliver on this, AstroSwap could become the dominant DEX on Cardano. But if they delay or vanish (as some anonymous teams do), the project could fizzle out.
Final Verdict: Worth It?
AstroSwap is a bold experiment. It’s not the safest DEX on Cardano. But it’s the most ambitious.
If you’re a Cardano believer and you want to earn high yields while trading native tokens - fast and without bridges - then AstroSwap is worth your time. The staking rewards alone make it stand out.
But if you need reliability, mobile access, or a known team, stick with SundaeSwap or Minswap for now.
The crypto world moves fast. AstroSwap might be the future of Cardano DeFi - or just another short-lived hype project. But right now, it’s the only one offering 100%+ APYs with real utility. That’s worth watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AstroSwap safe to use?
AstroSwap is non-custodial, meaning you control your own keys. That’s safer than centralized exchanges. But the anonymous team and reliance on Velas blockchain add risk. Always use a trusted wallet like Nami or Eternl, never send funds to unknown addresses, and only trade small amounts until you’re confident.
Can I stake ASTRO on other platforms?
No. ASTRO staking is only available on AstroSwap’s official platform. It’s not listed on any third-party staking services. Beware of fake staking sites - they’re scams. Always verify you’re on app.astroswap.io before connecting your wallet.
Why is the ASTRO token supply fixed at 10 billion?
A fixed supply prevents inflation and makes the token more predictable as an asset. With 45% reserved for staking, the team is betting that long-term holders will be more loyal than short-term traders. This model has worked well for projects like Bitcoin and Solana’s SOL.
Does AstroSwap support NFTs?
Not yet. AstroSwap is focused purely on token swaps and staking. NFT trading is not on the current roadmap. If you want to trade Cardano NFTs, use platforms like CNFT.io or Tokhun.
What happens if Velas blockchain crashes?
If Velas goes down, AstroSwap’s transaction speed drops to Cardano’s native 250 TPS, which could cause delays and higher fees. The team has said they’re exploring backup solutions, but as of now, there’s no fallback. This is the biggest technical risk with the platform.
How do I get ASTRO tokens?
You can buy ASTRO on PancakeSwap (BSC) or Gate.io. You can also earn it by staking ADA in AstroSwap’s liquidity pools or by participating in the upcoming lottery system. Avoid buying from unknown DEXs - many fake ASTRO tokens exist.
Is AstroSwap regulated?
No. AstroSwap is a decentralized exchange and does not collect user data or perform KYC. This means it operates outside traditional financial regulations in most countries. Users are responsible for their own tax reporting and compliance.
Next Steps
If you’re new to AstroSwap, start small. Swap $20 worth of ADA to a low-cap Cardano token. Try staking 100 ASTRO for a week. See how the interface feels. Check the community on Discord - it’s small but active.
If you’re a long-term Cardano holder, consider allocating a small portion of your portfolio to ASTRO staking. The rewards are too high to ignore - but treat it like a high-risk, high-reward bet, not a savings account.
And always, always do your own research. No one else will protect your money. Not the team. Not the community. Just you.
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