The topology of the moduli space of arc-length parametrised closed curves in Euclidean space (Q1972331)

Let \(M\) be space of arc-length parametrised closed curves in Euclidean \(3\)-space modulo orientation-preserving Euclidean motions. M is the symplectic quotient of the loop space of \(S^2\) by \(SO(3)\), and Lillywhite proves that it is homotopy equivalent to the zero set of the moment map. Using minimal models and Chen's theory of iterated integrals, the real homotopy type of \(M\) is determined. The result is in particular that \(M\) has the same cohomology ring as the space \(BS^1\vee S^1\vee S^3\vee S^5\vee \cdots\), although its homotopy type is different.