Starbase 52 was a Federation starbase in operation in the 24th century.
In 2363, Captain Jean-Luc Picard traveled to the base to await his assignment to the USS Enterprise-D. At the same time, the USS Lexington, commanded by Gilaad Ben Zoma, was docked at the station for repairs. This allowed Ben Zoma to catch up with his former captain and share a few drinks, during which, Picard told him about the great first officer he had picked for the Enterprise, William T. Riker. The Enterprise would later proceed via the starbase to Farpoint Station to pick up the rest of the crew. (TNG episode: "Encounter at Farpoint"; TNG novel: Reunion)