Symmetric periodic solutions in the generalized Sitnikov Problem with homotopy methods

Abstract

The paper investigates a generalization of the classical Sitnikov problem, concentrating on the movement of a satellite along the Z-axis as it interacts with $n$ primary bodies in periodic motion. It establishes the existence of an infinite number of even and anti-periodic solutions with increasing periods. The proof employs the Leray-Schauder degree theory to trace the critical points of action functionals, using a homotopy from solutions when the primary bodies are transformed into circular orbits.