Abstract: Disclosed herein are system and method embodiments for projecting a stationary inverted image. For example, the system includes a lidar assembly with an array of detectors that are mounted relative to an axis. A mirror is mounted for rotation about the axis at a first speed with a front surface aligned to intersect the axis to reflect light along the axis and form a reflected image. A prism is mounted for rotation about the axis at a second speed that is less than the first speed, wherein the prism is disposed between the mirror and the array of detectors and configured to receive the reflected image and to project a stationary inverted image onto the array of detectors.