Is Astar proof of stake?

Could you elaborate on whether Astar, a prominent blockchain project, utilizes a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism? Proof-of-stake, often abbreviated as PoS, is a method for blockchains to achieve consensus in a decentralized manner, where validators stake their own coins as collateral to validate transactions and create new blocks. It's crucial to understand the underlying consensus mechanism of a blockchain to assess its security, scalability, and decentralization. Given the significance of Astar in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, clarifying its consensus model is essential for investors, developers, and enthusiasts alike.