Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 November 2018
We consider the curved $4$-body problems on spheres and hyperbolic spheres. After obtaining a criterion for the existence of quadrilateral configurations on the equator of the sphere, we study two restricted $4$-body problems, one in which two masses are negligible and another in which only one mass is negligible. In the former, we prove the evidence square-like relative equilibria, whereas in the latter we discuss the existence of kite-shaped relative equilibria.