In this paper we show how to perform stabilization and shape control for a finite dimensional model that recasts the dynamics of an inflatable space reflector in port-Hamiltonian (pH) form. We show how to derive a decentralized passivity-based controller which can be used to stabilize a 1D piezoelectric Timoshenko beam around a desired shape. Furthermore, we present simulation results obtained for the proposed decentralized control approach. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.