# Understanding Astonic Astonic stands as a decentralized and transparent protocol enabling the creation of stable value digital assets. At its core, the protocol enables the development of assets that mirror fiat currency values, commonly known as "stablecoins." Currently thriving on the Planq blockchain, Astonic supports the following portfolio of stablecoins: * Astonic Dollar (aUSD) ### Why Astonic? The emergence of Web3 has created an unprecedented demand for stable value digital assets. Here's why Astonic matters: 1. Essential Building Blocks: * Enables stable value storage and transfer * Facilitates fast, secure transactions * Maintains low-cost operational efficiency 2. Market Evolution: * Supports growing remittance needs * Enables mobile payment solutions * Facilitates saving, lending, and borrowing in local currencies ### Who's Behind Astonic? While Astonic protocol flourishes as a Planq ecosystem project with diverse contributors, its foundation and maintenance lie with Astonic DAO. #### Astonic DAO Profile: * Location: Worldwide * Expertise: Digital asset solutions * Team Composition: * Economists * Engineers * Web3 experts > "Our mission at Astonic DAO is to democratize access to stable digital assets while ensuring sustainable economic models for the future of finance." - Astonic DAO Leadership Team All Astonic assets are fully collateralized by a diversified portfolio of external crypto assets, ensuring stability and trust in the ecosystem. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://astonic.gitbook.io/astonic-docs/getting-started/understanding-astonic.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.