As part of our ongoing effort to wind down AADAO operations responsibly, we want to share a final update regarding the status of the Asteroid grant, originally aimed at expanding data storage and inscription capabilities on the Cosmos Hub.
For context, in 2024, Asteroid was in need of additional support, in which Ark Protocol stepped in to carry the initiative forward. At the time, this aligned with AADAO’s renewed mandate, therefore, we agreed to redirect the remaining funds from the original Asteroid grant to Ark Protocol to help sustain that momentum.
Since then, however, the context has shifted significantly. As the Cosmos Hub moves toward EVM compatibility and broader infrastructure changes, priorities across the ecosystem have naturally evolved.
Supporting this NFT marketplace and the long-term maintenance of inscription infrastructure would now require a renewed strategy, substantial resources, and long-term commitment – none of which align with our current scope or priorities as we wind down.
We want to be clear: AADAO’s current and urgent priority is to responsibly sunset operations in alignment with Interchain Labs’ vision for the Cosmos Hub.
Therefore, after careful consideration and internal discussion, the AADAO grant reviewers and leads unanimously decided to discontinue support for Asteroid moving forward.
This means closing out existing obligations and ensuring a clean and accountable conclusion to the DAO’s mandate. It does not include redistributing remaining funds, taking on new initiatives, or shifting direction.
We are deeply grateful for the work, collaboration, and effort that went into Asteroid to date, and like to thank Ark Protocol for their efforts. This decision reflects a strategic and operational necessity to close this chapter with efficiency and integrity.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we bring AADAO’s work to a close.
The AADAO Team
