A naturalized Chinese physicist accused of exporting space launch technical data and other classified information to China has pleaded guilty in federal court.  

Shu Quan-Sheng, 68, admitted in a U.S. District Court that he copied the design of liquid hydrogen tanks to a Chinese space official, which is a violation of the Arms Export Control Act.  

The accused December 2003 violation reportedly was vital for China's current moon exploration program that has seen growing success.  China's first man went into space in 2003, which was followed by a two-man Chinese astronaut mission two years later in 2005.

The People's Liberation Army also is overseeing the construction of a space launch facility in China designed to hold liquid-propelled launch vehicles, which will be used to send astronauts into orbit.

The case had nothing to do with espionage or treason, but was done for monetary gain, Shu's attorney said.

Shu, president of AMAC International, decided to plead guilty so his wife wouldn't face charges for helping him.  AMAC works with NASA, Department of Energy, along with assisting companies export their products to China.

Prosecutors believe Shu had several employees falsify documents so he could send the information to China.

He came to the United States in 1983 and later became a naturalized citizen in 1998.

In addition to sending liquid hydrogen tanks to China, Shu admitted he bribed Beijing officials $189,300 to award a $4 million contract to a French company.  He received $386,000 after helping secure the contract, although the money will now be forfeited to the U.S. government.

Shu faces up to 25 years in federal prison and fines of up to $2.5 million USD.  He's scheduled to be sentenced in April.