Astar Network is entering a new era where its native token, ASTR, can operate seamlessly across multiple blockchains. As part of the Astar Evolution initiative, the Astar Foundation has deployed a new smart contract for ASTR that leverages Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) and Optimism’s SuperchainERC20 (ERC-7802) standard.
This advancement transforms ASTR from a single-network governance token into a cross-chain asset integral to a broader Ethereum ecosystem. In this article, we explore:
- The vision behind "Connecting Astar to Soneium and the Superchain."
- The technical implementation of ASTR’s smart contract upgrade.
- How developers and users can engage with this cross-chain functionality.
From Astar to Soneium: A New Chapter in Interoperability
Since its inception, Astar’s mission has been to connect everyone to Web3. The network is evolving from a blockchain to a collective, with interoperability as a core pillar.
This vision became reality with Soneium, a Layer 2 blockchain built on Optimism’s OP Stack, developed through a collaboration between Sony and Startale Labs.
To integrate ASTR into Soneium, Astar adopted Chainlink CCIP, enabling secure cross-chain interoperability. This unlocks:
- Seamless liquidity flow between Astar and Soneium.
- Cross-chain application potential (DeFi, NFTs, DAOs).
Why is this significant?
ASTR is no longer confined to Astar or Soneium—it can move freely between chains as a unified token.
👉 Discover how Chainlink CCIP powers cross-chain ASTR transfers
"We’re excited to see Astar adopt Chainlink CCIP to enable secure cross-chain transfers of ASTR. This expands Astar’s reach across the multichain ecosystem."
—Sean Chung, Blockchain Partnerships Manager, Chainlink Labs
Embracing Chainlink CCIP & SuperchainERC20 (ERC-7802)
Astar’s integration of Chainlink CCIP is part of a broader alignment with industry standards, ensuring future-proof interoperability.
What is ERC-7802?
- A minimal interface for standardized cross-chain token transfers.
- Introduces crosschainMint and crosschainBurn functions.
- Allows tokens to teleport between chains by burning on the source chain and minting on the destination.
"One Superchain, One Token"
This model ensures:
✅ No wrapped tokens (avoiding liquidity fragmentation).
✅ Unified addresses across chains.
✅ 1-block finality, zero slippage, and unified security.
"The Superchain is becoming a secure, interconnected network for liquidity and applications."
—Zain Bacchus, Staff Product Manager, OP Labs
Inside the ASTR Smart Contract Upgrade (Tech Deep Dive)
The ASTR smart contract on Soneium integrates Chainlink CCIP and ERC-7802 to achieve:
- Cross-chain minting/burning.
- Chainlink infrastructure integration.
- Upgradeability & security.
Key Components:
| Feature | Implementation |
|---------|--------------|
| ERC-7802 Interface | crosschainMint() & crosschainBurn() |
| Chainlink Token Pool | BurnMintTokenPool & LockReleaseTokenPool |
| Access Control | OpenZeppelin’s AccessControl |
| Audits | Reviewed by Cyfrin |
👉 Explore the ASTR smart contract on GitHub
FAQ
Q: How does ASTR move between chains?
A: Via Chainlink CCIP—locking tokens on the source chain and minting equivalents on the destination.
Q: What’s the benefit of ERC-7802?
A: Eliminates wrapped tokens, ensuring seamless liquidity across chains.
Q: Can developers build with ASTR on Soneium?
A: Yes! The open-source contract supports cross-chain DeFi/NFT applications.
Astar’s Cross-Chain Future
With ASTR now interoperable across Soneium, Base, and OP Mainnet, Astar is bridging Polkadot and Ethereum ecosystems.
Next Steps:
- Developers: Check the GitHub repo.
- Users: Bridge ASTR via Astar Portal in 2 clicks.
This is just the beginning—Astar’s collective is expanding.
—Written by Taegeon Alan Go, Fullstack Engineer at Startale