Spacial membrane mirror is widely used in the space optical system since it has characteristics such as very low areal density, excellent volumetric packaging efficiency and low manufacturing cost. The key technology of membrane mirror is active shape control which is classified according to the position of actuator in this work. Subsequently, the features of the actuator are detailed. The researches of the shape control reported both on computer modeling and testing have been overviewed by the author, in which the modeling methods, mount and their demonstrated contents have been focused on. Finally, the developing perspective has been emphasized in this work.