The UCN$tau$ experiment is designed to measure the lifetime $tau_{n}$ of the free neutron by trapping ultracold neutrons (UCN) in a magneto-gravitational trap. An asymmetric bowl-shaped NdFeB magnet Halbach array confines low-field-seeking UCN within
the apparatus, and a set of electromagnetic coils in a toroidal geometry provide a background holding field to eliminate depolarization-induced UCN loss caused by magnetic field nodes. We present a measurement of the storage time $tau_{store}$ of the trap by storing UCN for various times, and counting the survivors. The data are consistent with a single exponential decay, and we find $tau_{store}=860pm19$ s: within $1 sigma$ of current global averages for $tau_{n}$. The storage time with the holding field deactiveated is found to be $tau_{store}=470 pm 160$ s; this decreased storage time is due to the loss of UCN which undergo Majorana spin-flips while being stored. We discuss plans to increase the statistical sensitivity of the measurement and investigate potential systematic effects.
