large space membrane structures will be very flexible due to low weight requirements, which usually require strict accuracy and stability. However, the distortion of the structure can be induced by several sources, such as manufacturing tolerances and thermal gradients. Therefore the active control is needed to achieve the desired shape, including shape control and vibration control. In this paper, firstly, the error sources of shape influence and the necessity of shape control are presented. Next, this paper summarizes the current status of structural control technology for space membrane structures, including control schemes, sensors and actuators. Finally, the critical technologies of large membrane structures control are presented.