> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://astranetwork.gitbook.io/read/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://astranetwork.gitbook.io/read/intro.md).

# Introduction

### Overview

> Astra is a next-generation Web3 payment layer and the Unified AI x Payments solution designed to make PayFi practical, scalable, and accessible. Built on the robust Lightning Network, Astra bridges the gap between blockchain innovation and real-world finance, empowering Web3 with payment-ready infrastructure for mass adoption. By converting stablecoins and other blockchain assets into Lightning-compatible formats, Astra enables high-speed, zero-fee global instant payments that are ideal for agentic payments and seamless merchant transactions. Its easy verification through pre-images from Lightning invoices ensures trustless, transparent interactions, while its ability to interoperate with legacy financial systems accelerates integration and usability. Astra simplifies the adoption of PayFi for businesses, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that brings immediate value to users and partners alike—paving the way for Lightning to become the definitive payment layer for AI and beyond.

### Astra Core Products

Astra consists of four products: 

1. **Astra Bridge** allows for the creation of smart contracts, namely Hash Time-Locked Contracts (HTLC), that can make trust-minimized bridging of other chains’ native assets such as ERC20 into Taproot Assets on Lightning Network.
2. **Astra Pay** enables users to settle Bitcoin or stablecoin Lightning invoices with stablecoins from other blockchains in a single, atomic, and trustless transaction. This innovative solution eliminates the need for intermediaries, offering a seamless and secure payment experience while leveraging the speed and efficiency of the Lightning Network. 
3. **Astra Shop**, the 'Amazon on Lightning Network', is a next-generation e-commerce marketplace built on the Lightning Network, designed to bring the speed and scalability of Web3 payments to online commerce. Astra Shop allows merchants and e-commerce platforms to list their products and accept Lightning-powered payments, enabling fast, low-cost, and borderless transactions.
4. **Astra SDK** simplifies bridging and payment integration for platforms and merchants, and deployments of AI Agents.

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### Astra’s value-adds:

* Enables Lightning Network for all blockchains, apps and tokens
* Implements PayFi on Lightning Network for global, instant, ultra low-fee settlement
* Drives ultra-low or zero-fee, high-frequency payments to power a trillion-agent economy

{% hint style="info" %}
Read more:\
[What is PayFi?](/read/intro/what-is-payfi.md)\
[Why Lightning?](/read/intro/why-lightning.md)
{% endhint %}

***

### Supported blockchains, tokens and wallets

#### Supported blockchains & tokens

Astra is designed to support all kinds of blockchains and tokens. For the most updated list of our supported blockchains and tokens, check out the dropdown lists at [app.astra-labs.io](https://app.astra-labs.io). 

#### Supported wallets

In order to perform a bridging request, you must first have a compatible wallet on the blockchain and one, which supports Taproot Assets on Lightning Network. Astra supports the most popular wallets. If you have a wallet that isn't supported, reach out and ask us in [Telegram](https://t.me/astra_labs).