High quality flexible optical mirrors (in a single or multi-layer implementation) are fabricated from polymer matrix composite material(s) by replication, cast-spinning, and 3-D printing processes. These mirrors are suited as controllable mirrors for different applications including telescope mirrors. The mirrors made from “smart” materials (carbon nanotubes in epoxy) attain controlled properties that may be changed by application of external stimuli, including stress, temperature, moisture, electric and magnetic fields, as well as electromagnetic fields. When formed with non-ferrous metal particles embedded in epoxy, the mirrors are suited for cryogenic operations. The mirrors formed with the ferromagnetic/epoxy material can be deformed and steered by magnetic or electromagnetic fields.